Stay Interview

A stay interview is a proactive, structured conversation an organization conducts with a current, valued employee, aimed at understanding what factors are keeping them engaged and satisfied in their role, as well as identifying any concerns that might eventually lead them to consider leaving the company. Unlike an exit interview, which happens after an employee has already decided to depart, a stay interview is conducted while the employee is still fully engaged, giving the organization an opportunity to address potential issues proactively. Stay interviews typically explore questions such as what the employee most enjoys about their current role, what might tempt them to consider leaving, and what changes or support could improve their overall experience. These conversations are most effective when conducted in a genuine, low-pressure manner that encourages candid feedback, ideally led by a manager who has a trusted relationship with the employee. By gathering this kind of proactive feedback, organizations can identify and address retention risks before they escalate into an employee actively searching for a new opportunity elsewhere. Some companies incorporate stay interviews as a regular practice for key or high-performing employees, recognizing that understanding what keeps top talent engaged is at least as valuable as understanding why departing employees eventually chose to leave.