The importance of "Stay Interviews"

- Kathy Grayson

Hours of time and effort go into hiring, training and grooming employees before an organization begins to see a return on their investment. So, as a manager, what are you doing to ensure you retain the best and brightest and not lose them to competitors?

Good managers and mentors are now conducting “Stay Interviews” which offer retention and engagement solutions that cannot be achieved during annual employee evaluations, surveys or exit interviews. 30-minute conversations with employees throughout the year can save you headaches and more importantly save your facility thousands of dollars in recruitment and training. Here are some great questions to ask staff members to gain an understanding of how happy and committed they are:

  • What do you look forward to when you come to work each day?
  • What do you like most or least about working here?
  • What keeps you working here?
  • If you could change something about your job, what would that be?
  • What would make your job more satisfying?
  • How do you like to be recognized?
  • What talents are not being used in your current role?
  • What would you like to learn here?
  • What motivates (or demotivates) you?
  • What can I do to best support you?
  • What can I do more of or less of as your manager?
  • What might tempt you to leave?

Having a better understanding of your staff on a professional and personal level can better equip you to prepare action plans and show them your commitment to their growth and development. These “action plans” are in addition to providing regular feedback and annual evaluations.
Have a great season!

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