Definition
The term stay interview is used to describe a process that attempts to determine why an employee chooses to remain with a company. A stay interview is in direct contrast to an exit interview, which aims to determine why an employee chooses to leave the company.
Explanation
The purpose of a stay interview is to retain valuable employees by determining the factors that motivate them to remain with the organization. Typically, stay interviews are conducted with employees that have been identified as "high potential" or are deemed at risk of leaving the company.
Conducting stay interviews is believed to help organizations:
Identify the variables that lead to an increase in employee satisfaction or may result in a decrease in satisfaction.
Retain valuable employees, increase employee engagement, and reduce the overall rate of employee turnover.
Demonstrate the company values high potential employees.
Identify problems with employee morale before it results in unwanted turnover.
Example
The list below provides examples of the types of questions that might be asked during a stay interview:
To what extent do you feel your talents are utilized in your current role?
What changes can the company make to take advantage of your skills?
How does your work impact the company's customers, or lead to the company's overall success?
If a family member or friend were to ask you why you stay with the company, what would you tell them?
What types of on-the-job recognition have you received in the last three months?