EXIT INTERVIEW QUESTIONS THAT AREN’T A WASTE OF TIME

Often employees leave their job when they are not given favourable working conditions, correct management, or because of office politics. At the time of resignation, the organisation should dedicate a small amount of time to conduct an “Exit Interview” with the employee before their leaving date. These interviews in the long-term will give vital information in reducing employee turnover and increasing employee retention. Based on the answers given by employees during their exit interviews, and information being used correctly – an organisation can make changes that are needed to become an employer of choice within their industry.

However, most of the time, a lot of organisations that go through this process don’t ask the right questions. These are questions that should help obtain a great deal of information in a short amount of time and use of resources.

WHAT ARE SOME EXIT INTERVIEW QUESTIONS THAT AREN’T A WASTE OF TIME?

1. What made you start searching for a new job?

Although the answer to this question will vary from one person to another, you have to read between the lines and search for common themes. Is it management? The nature of work? The culture of the company? Whatever the answer, try to find any similarities with previous interviews.

2. Would you recommend our company to your friend looking for a job?

You would expect the answer to be YES! But if it’s not, find out why. One won’t refer their friend to an organisation if they didn’t have a satisfactory workplace.

3. Have you ever felt overburdened doing your job here?

This question will help you find out if your employees have issues with their workload and how is being divided across a team.

4. Were you comfortable discussing work problems with your manager?

Studies have shown that good relationships with superiors promote loyalty. If your employees can communicate effectively to their managers, workplace grievances can be resolved in a calm professional manner.

5. What do you think your manager could have done better?

This will help you find out if the issue lies in the management. Did you know that roughly 50% of employees would leave their job if they felt unappreciated by their direct manager?!

6. What was your favourite aspect of your job?

Sometimes when you cannot influence the negative aspects of the job, promoting the favourable parts can help balance it out.

7. Describe our company culture in your own words?

Good company culture it’s extremely important as it is the very foundation of every organisation.

8. What was your least favourite part of the job?

Although minor inconveniences are a part of every job, over time these inconveniences can build up resentment against the company. Even small aspects (such as lack of parking space) can become major frustrations if remain unsolved. So, it works in the best interest of the organisation to minimize these inconveniences as soon as possible.

9. Would you ever consider joining this organisation again?

For this question, encourage the employee to answer honestly. They would probably reply negatively, however in that case you need to follow up with "What changes in our organization might influence your decision?"

Although this might sound like a rephrased version of previous questions, it is more direct. The answer would reveal the ideal, yet realistic work environment that your employees want.

10. Have you had all the tools needed to do your job?

This question will help you improve the workplace environment and operations. You’ll be able to identify the constraints employees are having to give their best mostly on a daily basis.

11. If you are given a chance, what would you like to change about your job?

his question can be a game-changer. Employees most of the time here point out the biggest reason why they are leaving the job in all honesty.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Exit interviews might reveal crucial information about the frustrations that an employee faced whilst working for you and must not be taken lightly. Remember that human resource is the most important asset of any organisation. Therefore, effective management of this valuable resource can do wonders for an organisation and ensure your long-term sustainability in a highly competitive world.