Exit Interviews - Does Your Company Perform Them

When employees leave your company, are they participating in an exit interview?  An exit interview is an important step in keeping your company out of some legal issues.

Of course, exit interviews are not required and you won't be sued for not performing these, however, you could protect your company from claims brought on by an employee who says they were treated unfairly or didn't get offered COBRA or other items that should be covered when an employee leaves.  

If an employee has decided to leave your employ, you should ask them several questions and encourage honest feedback such as:

• What made you decide to leave the company?
• What did you value about the company?
• What did you dislike about the company?
• Was there a single event that caused you to look elsewhere for employment?
• What does the new company offer that you made you decide to accept a position with them and leave our company?
• What did you dislike about your job? What changes would you make in your job?
• Do you feel you were given all the necessary tools to perform your job?  What was missing? (Training, etc.)
• How was your relationship with your supervisor or manager?  Did this affect your decision to leave?
• Did you feel you had clear goals and know what was expected of you in your job?
• Did you receive adequate feedback from your supervisor or manager regarding your performance?
• What changes or recommendations would you like to share with us?
• What do we need to look for in finding your replacement (skills, characteristics, qualities)?
• Can you offer any other comments or suggestions that would help us to improve our company to become a better company?

Your exit interview should be ended with a positive affirmation to your employee that the comments and answers will be taken into consideration and used to provide the management with feedback on the processes.

Be sure to wish them much success in their new position.  Thank them for their feedback and comments.

An exit interview doesn't have to be a bad situation even when an employee is terminated for cause.  You should review the items that caused the termination whether it is attendance, theft or whatever it is to learn why the employee failed at their position.  

Feedback is always a good way to learn what and where your company can improve.  Never pass up the chance to learn what others are thinking even if you disagree.  Take the opportunity to learn what is happening in your company.

Happy Thanksgiving ! !

Charlene S Reed, Owner/Author

www.MyConstructionOffice.com

"Construction Administration Handbook"