Stay Interviews: The Retention Tool You’re Probably Not Using—But Should Be

Why exit interviews are too late—and how stay interviews can keep your best talent from walking out the door.

Most companies conduct exit interviews. Fewer ask the critical questions before employees consider leaving. That’s where stay interviews come in—an underused but highly effective tool for boosting retention and building trust.

A stay interview is one of the most underutilized tools in HR—when done right, it can prevent costly turnover

• What they are: Structured 30–45 minute conversations with employees to understand why they stay and what might make them leave

• When to use them: Annually, after a project milestone, or when early signs of disengagement appear

• What to ask: “What keeps you here?”, “What would tempt you to leave?”, “What support do you need?”

• What to do with the results: Identify patterns, address issues, and communicate action plans

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EXAMPLE

After stay interviews, HR learns that employees want more visibility into leadership decisions—so a quarterly town hall is launched. After conducting stay interviews, HR learns that employees feel disconnected from leadership decisions. In response, the company launches quarterly town halls to share updates and invite questions—strengthening transparency and trust.