Exit interview

An exit interview is a structured conversation between a departing employee and a manager or HR representative.

Homebase Team

Min Read

What is an exit interview?

An exit interview is a structured conversation between a departing employee and a manager or HR representative. It usually takes place during the employee’s final days of work. The interview gives the business a chance to gather feedback about the employee's experience, understand why they’re leaving, and uncover opportunities to improve the workplace.

For small business owners, exit interviews are valuable for identifying patterns that might affect employee retention or morale. When conducted thoughtfully, they can offer insights that help you build a stronger, more supportive environment for your remaining team, and reduce costly turnover. If you're looking for ways to improve your people operations, sign up for Homebase to simplify everything from team scheduling to performance tracking.

Why exit interviews matter for small businesses

While it’s never fun to see a good employee leave, their departure is often an opportunity to learn. A well-run exit interview can help you:

Understand the real reason behind the resignation
Identify trends in turnover (e.g., scheduling issues, pay concerns, management style)
Discover areas for improvement in training, communication, or culture
Gather honest feedback—departing employees may be more candid
Leave the door open for a potential return or referral

The insights you gather can directly inform better retention strategies.

What to ask during an exit interview

Keep your questions open-ended, neutral, and focused on improvement. Some good examples include:

What prompted your decision to leave?
What did you enjoy most about your time here?
What were your biggest challenges?
Did you feel supported by your manager and team?
How would you describe the company culture?
What suggestions do you have for improving this role or department?
Would you consider returning in the future if circumstances were right?

Make sure the conversation stays respectful and constructive.

Best practices for conducting exit interviews

Make it voluntary – While encouraged, employees shouldn’t feel forced to participate
Do it in person or via video – Face-to-face is ideal, but video works too for remote teams
Choose the right interviewer – A neutral party like an HR lead or a senior manager works best
Maintain confidentiality – Assure the employee that their feedback will be kept private and used to improve workplace practices
Document and analyze responses – Track recurring themes across exit interviews over time

The goal is to create a safe space for honest feedback and use it to make your business better.

When to hold the exit interview

Timing matters. Aim to schedule the exit interview during the employee’s last few days of work, after their notice has been given but before they leave.

This gives them time to reflect while still feeling connected to the business. Be sure to thank them for their contributions and leave the door open for a positive ongoing relationship.

Common mistakes to avoid

Turning the conversation into a debate or defense
Dismissing the employee’s concerns
Forgetting to act on the feedback you receive
Letting exit interviews become a formality

The more intentional you are with the process, the more useful the information will be.

How Homebase helps you create a happier workplace

Exit interviews are just one way to better understand your team’s experience and prevent unnecessary turnover. With Homebase, you can support your team before they even think about leaving by:

Tracking shift preferences and team availability
Offering clear communication through messaging and announcements
Managing time-off requests and employee schedules fairly
Keeping records of feedback and performance reviews
Supporting managers with tools for documenting goals and milestones

Explore how Homebase helps create a happier workplace, improving team morale, reducing turnover, and creating a culture that makes employees want to stay.

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