Stay Interview

Schedule a 20–30 minute informal conversation with each team member annually, or more frequently as needed. Choose a comfortable, private setting that encourages open dialogue.

1. Prepare. Review what you already know about the employee and prepare open-ended questions to ask. 
   Core Questions to start:
   1. What do you look forward to when you come to work?
   2. What's something about your role or the team that's been frustrating lately?
   3. If you could change one thing about your job, what would it be?
   4. What would make you consider leaving the university?
2. Invite. Explain the purpose of the conversation clearly: you value this employee and want to support their satisfaction, engagement, and retention. Share your questions ahead of time so they can come prepared. 
3. Listen More Than You Talk. Use active listening to understand the employee's perspective. After asking a question, pause and give the employee time to think. Silence often leads to more honest and thoughtful responses. This is not a performance review or corrective action discussion so avoid the urge to fix in the moment.
4. Follow Up. Employees remember what happens after the conversation.
   1. Share updates on actions taken.
   2. Communicate progress.
   3. If needed, explain when a change is not possible.
   4. Keep any follow-up commitments.

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Key Reminder

Listen first. Understand second. Solve third.

Employees are more likely to stay engaged when they feel heard, valued, and supported.