How to Conduct Stay Interviews: 5 Key Questions to Consider

We’ve found that just five thoughtfully chosen questions are all it takes to make stay interviews both simple and effective. Through careful listening and strategic follow-up, these questions reveal the insights you need to build personalized engagement and retention plans that truly resonate with each team member.

As you prepare to use them, focus on applying these essential communication techniques to maximize your success:

• Listen actively and intentionally. Spend 80% of the time listening. Don’t think about your next question—fully absorb what the person is saying before responding. This takes discipline but is key to building trust and understanding.

• Use probing questions to go deeper. Thoughtful follow-ups help uncover more detailed information and signal that you genuinely care about their experiences and ideas.

• Take meaningful notes. Capture not only the facts but also the speaker’s emotions and key phrases. These notes will help you advocate for appropriate solutions or changes when speaking with leadership.

Now, let’s take a closer look at each of the five questions and the reasons behind their effectiveness.