Aurora Public Schools

What is a Stay Interview?

Stay interviews are intentional conversations between a supervisor and their team members to understand what keeps them engaged and what m

ight cause them to leave.  They are proactive, not reactive. Instead of waiting for an exit interview, we listen now, learn now, and lead now. 

These conversations strengthen relationships, build trust, and surface practical insights about culture, workload, recognition, and growth opportunities.

🎯 Purpose of a Stay Interview

• To support leaders in retaining top-performing employees.

• 

  To recognize and address early indicators of disengagement.

• To foster a sense belonging and demonstrate that employee feedback is valued.

💡 Why it Matters

• Retention: Identify and address potential concerns early to prevent avoidable turnover.

• Engagement: Reinforce that employees are valued, heard and supported.

• Equity and Belonging: Reveal meaningful insights about inclusion, workload balance and recognition

• Leadership Insight: Provide leaders with timely, actionable data to strengthen morale, professional growth, and recognition efforts

Guidelines

• Intentional Scheduling: Schedule one-on-one meetings thoughtfully, selecting a time and setting that allow for privacy, focus, and meaningful conversation.

• Establish a Positive Tone: Begin by clarifying that the purpose of the discussion is mutual learning and professional growth—not a performance evaluation.

• Engage Actively: Practice active listening by asking open-ended questions, reflecting on the employee’s responses, and demonstrating genuine curiosity. Refrain from defending positions or immediately offering solutions; focus instead on understanding and insight.

Short Videos:

Stay Interviews Explained in 2 Minutes – The Center of Leadership Studies
Using Stay Interviews to Spot Red Flags and Boost Retention- SHRM

Implementation Tools:

• Stay Interview Tracker – track dates, themes, and follow-ups

• Follow-Up Email Template – close the loop after your conversation.

• Sample Annual Timeline – 

Stay Interview Templates:

 APS Commitment to Belonging

At Aurora Public Schools, we believe every employee should feel known, valued, and supported.

Stay Interviews are part of our People First Strategy — fostering connection, cultivating trust, and ensuring that our schools are places where every employee can stay, grow, and thrive.

 Reflection Prompt for Leaders

Take a moment to reflect — and turn insights into action.

“What did I learn from my stay interviews that surprised me?"

"What one small action could show my staff that I listened?”