Stay Interview Guide Template
A structured guide with proven questions and a practical framework for conducting stay interviews that improve employee retention. Turn insights into action plans that keep your best people engaged and committed.
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Complete stay interview guide with 25+ questions, manager prep checklist, and action planning framework
Stay Interview Guide
Manager Pre-Interview Preparation
Complete these steps before the conversation to ensure a productive discussion.
Opening Script
1. Job Satisfaction and Engagement
What do you look forward to most when you come to work each day?
Listen for: specific tasks, people, projects, or feelings of purpose
What part of your job do you wish you could do more of?
Listen for: untapped strengths, passion areas, growth desires
What part of your job do you wish you could do less of or eliminate entirely?
Listen for: frustrations, inefficiencies, skill mismatches
On a scale of 1-10, how fulfilled do you feel in your current role? What would make it a 10?
Listen for: specific, actionable changes that could improve satisfaction
2. Growth and Career Development
Where do you see your career heading in the next 2-3 years?
Listen for: ambition level, alignment with available opportunities
Do you feel you are learning and growing in your current role? What would help?
Listen for: training needs, mentoring desires, stretch assignments
What skills or experiences would you like to develop that you are not currently getting?
Listen for: specific development areas, potential cross-training opportunities
Do you feel recognized for your contributions? How do you prefer to be recognized?
Listen for: recognition gaps, preferred recognition styles (public, private, monetary)
3. Manager and Team Relationship
What can I do differently as your manager to better support you?
Listen for: communication preferences, autonomy needs, support gaps
How would you describe the team culture? What would you change?
Listen for: collaboration issues, cultural concerns, psychological safety
Do you feel your opinions and ideas are valued and heard?
Listen for: inclusion concerns, decision-making frustrations, voice opportunity
4. Retention Risk Assessment
What might tempt you to leave? Is there anything that has frustrated you recently?
Listen for: specific triggers, competitor offers, unresolved issues
Is there anything about your compensation, benefits, or work arrangement that concerns you?
Listen for: pay concerns, flexibility needs, benefits gaps
If you could change one thing about working here, what would it be?
Listen for: the single biggest retention lever for this employee
What would make you say, I never want to leave this organization?
Listen for: aspirational factors, deep motivators, loyalty drivers
Post-Interview Retention Risk Rating
Based on the conversation, rate the overall retention risk (complete after the interview).
Action Plan
Document specific actions you will take based on the conversation. Complete within one week.
Action Item 1
Action Item 2
Action Item 3
Closing Script
How to Use This Guide Effectively
Do
- Listen actively and take notes
- Ask follow-up questions to go deeper
- Commit to specific actions with timelines
- Follow through on every commitment
Do Not
- Make promises you cannot keep
- Get defensive about feedback
- Turn it into a performance review
- Share individual responses without consent
After the Interview
- Complete the action plan within one week
- Follow up within 30 days with progress
- Share anonymized themes with HR
- Schedule the next stay interview
Red Flags to Watch For
- Short, disengaged answers
- Mention of external opportunities
- Frustration with career progression
- Significant work-life balance concerns
Related Resources
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