Stay interviews: a proactive approach to employee retention

Unlike an exit interview that happens when it’s too late, a stay interview gives you the chance to listen, act, and retain valued team members before they consider leaving.

This one-to-one conversation — usually between a manager or HR and an employee who’s been in the business 9-12 months — focuses on what’s working, what motivates them, and what might cause them to move on.

What’s included in our stay interview service

  • A pre-designed stay interview template combining open and closed questions

  • One-to-one interview structure tailored to your business

  • Themed feedback summary with next steps

  • Support on stay interview best practices

  • Guidance on how to translate insights into action

 Key outcomes

Understand what motivates your team

Stay interviews help you learn what keeps your employees showing up and doing great work — so you can build more of it into their experience.

Identify and address concerns early

You’ll get ahead of issues before they become resignation letters. Stay interviews shine a light on what’s not being said day to day.

Show people they’re heard

Asking the right stay interview questions makes employees feel valued, not just managed. This builds trust and loyalty.

Spot trends early in an employee’s lifecycle

The 9–12 month point is often a critical turning point. We help you isolate patterns and take action where it matters most.

Common questions we’re asked

Who should lead the conversation — HR or the manager?

Both options can work. We’ll help you decide what’s best based on your goals and company culture.

How transparent should we be with the feedback?

We guide you on how to communicate outcomes and manage expectations while protecting confidentiality.

How often should we carry out stay interviews?

They’re most powerful at key career inflection points — before annual reviews, after onboarding, or when team dynamics change.

Help your team have important conversations that will have a positive impact on retention.

Speak to one of HR Consultants to get started.

Get in Touch

Contact Us

Interested in working together? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly. We can’t wait to hear from you!

Aliya Vigor-Robertson
Founding Partner
+44 7979 498 455
aliya@journeyhr.com

Sue Shaw
Founding Partner
+44 7939 992 801
sue@journeyhr.com

Location

JourneyHR
5th Floor, High Holborn House
52–54 High Holborn
London WC1V 6RL

Office Hours

Monday–Friday
9am–5.30pm