The Exit Interview: An Effective Workplace Tool

Filling out an exit interview after resigning or being terminated from a position in a company is an worthwhile and productive process because it:

• Gives an employee the opportunity to highlight positive experiences

An employee who is moving on to bigger and better opportunities has the chance to point out all the good experiences he had with the business.  Not only can he relay specific examples of positive experiences but also key staff and management who were instrumental in ensuring a productive and nurturing term of employment.

• Points out areas of needed personal improvement

An exit interview provides employees with the opportunities to relay their feelings on how the company can improve production, employee relations, human resource's effectiveness and better working conditions. Honesty and openness should be encouraged for optimal feedback. For example, an employee who is required to work for a manager or supervisor who employs harsh or unfair labor practices may feel comfortable enough in an exit interview to provide information and background to assist upper management in rectifying or changing a specific work environment.

• Provides employees with an outlet to vent their frustrations and concerns 

Every company has its own unique problems and challenges. Exit interviews provide departing employees an opening to vent their feelings about specific co-workers, managers and situations.  Repercussions and retaliations should not be allowed so as to use these exit interviews to make work at the establishment better for both current and future employees.

• Documents workplace conditions and specific behaviors of individuals

Exit interviews can be used to establish patterns of working conditions and/or unsafe or unfair labor practices. When the same issues arises multiple times during exit interviews, management can seek action to rectify the situation or even change management.For example, if numerous employees point out perceived racism or sexual harassment by an individual, action will be more likely to be taken than if it was a one-time observation or accusation.

• Can give management an overview of the company's productivity and effectiveness as a whole.

Exit interviews are especially effective as departing employees tend to be more straightforward and forthcoming as they will no longer be employed at the business.  The picture they provide can give management a clear and objective view of how the current supervision and work practices are perceived.  Many excellent ideas and suggestions for expansion, training and improvement in general can be given at an exit interview that can further the productivity and long-term well-being of the enterprise.  Exit interviews should be done whether an employee resigns, is terminated or transferred to another department.