Managers guide to conducting Stay Interviews


Our guide to conducting stay interviews helps to proactively address retention issues by uncovering factors that keep employees satisfied and engaged.
- 2 pages / 484 words.
- Last updated 10/10/2025.
- Designed for United Kingdom use.
- Suitable for use in other territories; check local laws first.
- Instantly download as Word / PDF / plain text, or send by email.
- Includes 12 months’ access, with all updates to this page provided free of charge and notified to you.
Managers guide to conducting Stay Interviews
Stay interviews are proactive discussions with employees to understand what keeps them engaged and what might improve their work experience. Unlike exit interviews, stay interviews focus on retaining current talent by addressing concerns before they lead to turnover. This guide outlines the steps to effectively conduct stay interviews.
1. Preparation
a. Identify Participants
- Select a diverse group of employees across various departments and roles.
- Include both long-term and newer employees to get a comprehensive view.
b. Schedule Interviews
- Arrange a convenient time for the interview, ensuring it's during a period where the employee can speak freely without interruptions.
- Allocate sufficient time (30-60 minutes) for an in-depth conversation.
c. Prepare Questions
- Use a structured stay interview form (as provided) to guide the discussion.
- Customize questions if needed to address specific departmental or role-related issues.
2. Conducting
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This guide to conducting Stay Interviews provides managers with a framework to understand the reasons employees choose to stay with the organisation.
By identifying the factors that contribute to job satisfaction and engagement, the guide helps in retaining valuable staff, improving workplace morale, and addressing potential issues before they lead to turnover.
This guide outlines best practices for conducting effective stay interviews, including how to prepare, the types of questions to ask, and how to act on the feedback received. It serves as a proactive tool to foster open communication, enhance employee retention, and build a positive work environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I use this template in my small business?
Yes. The Managers guide to conducting Stay Interviews is designed to be flexible and suitable for organisations of all sizes, including small businesses and charities. It follows UK employment law best practice, so even if you don't have an in-house HR team, you can confidently apply it.
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Is this template compliant with 2025 UK employment law?
Absolutely. All of our templates are drafted with the latest ACAS guidance and UK employment legislation in mind. We review and update them regularly, so you can be confident they remain compliant.
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Can I customise it for my organisation?
Yes, we highlight the areas that you need to update with your own details, and where you need to make decisions to suit your situation. This saves you time and ensures that you meet best practice.
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Do I get instant access?
Yes. Once purchased, you'll be able to download it instantly. Templates are provided in editable Word or Excel format so you can customise them easily, and in PDF format for easy sharing.
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What if I need more help, not just this template?
If you're looking for broader support, we also offer toolkits and library bundles that include this template, along with other HR templates and policies for fully managing your situation. These may be more cost-effective if you need deeper advice.