Michael Bergdahl an executive, author, and professional business speaker once said – “The goal of exit interviewing is to learn from the past, so you don’t repeat the mistakes in the future.”

Exit interviews are a critical aspect of HR management, as they provide valuable insight into employee experience, satisfaction, and reasons for departure. The information gathered during an exit interview can be used to identify areas for improvement and maintain a positive workplace culture. Here are some exit interview questions that you must ask:

What led to your decision to leave the company?
This question is important because it will give you insight into the employee’s reasons for leaving and whether it was something within the company’s control. If multiple employees are leaving for similar reasons, this may indicate a larger issue that needs to be addressed.

Were there any specific incidents or events that led to your decision to leave?
This question is important because it can help you identify specific areas for improvement, such as a manager’s behaviour, workplace culture, or working conditions.

How was your overall experience working at the company?
This question provides valuable feedback on the employee’s overall experience and can help you determine areas for improvement.

Was there anything the company could have done to retain you?
This question helps you understand what changes could have been made to keep the employee, and can also help you identify areas for improvement.

Were there any issues or concerns that you felt were not addressed?
This question helps you identify any unaddressed issues or concerns and provides an opportunity to address them before they escalate.

Was there anything you liked or disliked about your role or responsibilities?
This question provides insight into the employee’s job satisfaction and whether they felt challenged or overwhelmed in their role.

How did you feel about the support and resources provided to you in your role?
This question can help you determine whether the employee felt supported and equipped to perform their job effectively.

How would you rate your manager’s performance?
This question provides valuable feedback on the employee’s experience with their manager and can help you identify areas for improvement.

Was there any aspect of company culture or workplace environment that you found challenging or unpleasant?
This question can help you identify any issues with workplace culture or environment and provide an opportunity to address them.

What would you tell others about your experience working at the company?
This question provides an opportunity for the employee to share their overall experience and can help you maintain a positive reputation. It’s important to keep in mind that exit interviews are a two-way conversation, and the employee should feel comfortable and encouraged to provide honest feedback. The information gathered during an exit interview should be used to improve the workplace and maintain a positive work environment for current and future employees.

In conclusion, exit interviews are an essential aspect of HR management and can provide valuable insight into employee experience, satisfaction, and reasons for departure. Asking the right questions during an exit interview can help you identify areas for improvement and maintain a positive workplace culture.