64% respondents feel that exit interviews are critical in predicting future employee turnover.

As per a recent Digipoll survey on Exit Interviews conducted by Genius Consultants Ltd., one of India’s leading human resource solutions organizations, a new trend of Video Exit Interviews has been seen as emerging in the current market. An overwhelming 60% of the respondents said that they are fine with their exit interviews being conducted on video.

The nationwide survey which covered over 500 organizations, reports that around 60% of the participating employees are willing to having their exit interviews on video and are okay with being posted on social media sites while around 40% respondents are averse to the notion. The survey also highlights that 64% respondents feel that exit interviews are critical in predicting future employee turnover.

Around 62% said that employees exit surveys and feedback mechanisms thereof help in creating better efficiencies and desirable workplace environment. An overwhelming majority of more than 79% respondents said that exit surveys go a long way in gauging employee satisfaction.

Is It Ethical To Broadcast Video Exit Interviews?

According to Praveen Purohit, Deputy CHRO, Vedanta group,” I think there is nothing wrong ethically or otherwise in asking employees to share a detailed reason while leaving. In all fairness employees can still refuse to give an exit interview unless compelled by contract. Whether it’s an exit interview or just filling a form, it is a two-way platform that serves both the employee and the employer.”
 For the employer it is a source of unbiased feedback since employees can share freely without the fear of any repercussions.  For the employee it’s a means to vent their feelings and thoughts and share any type of feedback, be it positive or otherwise. At Vedanta we welcome any type of feedback as we look at it from a positive lens since there is always scope for doing better and we believe in constantly changing & transforming for good.

“Indeed, it is quite ethical to ask employees about their reason/s for leaving during exit interviews. It helps the organization look into the mirror and assess their current policies and practices and take necessary action, if required. It also helps an organization to look at emerging trends and relook at their strategy from time to time. Exit interviews are also very critical in predicting future employee turnover. From a professional lens, exit interviews and the feedback associated with it helps in creating desirable workplace environments and help in assessing employee satisfaction,” states amit das, Director-HR & CHRO, Bennett Coleman.

Capturing the conversation on video and posting it on social media sends out a very positive message about the organization to the professional world. It shows that the organization believes in transparency and is open to feedback. Mostly importantly it shows that the organization is not shying away from its possible areas of improvement and putting it out there for the world to see.

Commenting on the survey, Mr. R.P Yadav, Chairman and Managing Director, Genius Consultants Ltd said, “Organizations are aware of the importance of exit interviews at workplaces. These sessions play a critical role in identifying core issues which plague a healthy work environment. We are cognizant of the fact that today is the day and age of social media, but it was refreshing to see respondents coming out in large numbers and agreeing on having their exit interviews being posted on social media platforms. The organizations by virtue of the exit interviews being posted on the social media platforms can create a favorable impression on prospective employees in terms of transparency and exhibit great workplace culture.”

He further added, “Millennials and the upcoming Gen Z generation that is on the anvil of being employed find online platforms the safest medium to gain knowledge and make an informed decision about anything important. The easy access and heavy engagement with social media make it a preferred option for workplaces to build their image too.”

Fad or Trend?

The communications channels have evolved over the years and with the advent in technology including the smartphone revolution, the way we communicate has changed drastically over the last decade. Nowadays, the Millenials and the Gen Z feel that the internet is the fastest and the most accurate source of information.

Platforms like Glassdoor, Ambition Box etc. have already provided the option for existing employees to share their views about the current organizations.  Das believes that in view of this, the workplaces have also evolved their strategies to interact with the current and prospective employee via their social media handles and build their image. He feels that this trend is here to stay and will keep evolving with certain aspects of the metaverse coming into the picture as well.

While Purohit believes that public may want this practice to continue, but from an employee or employer perspective, this does not seem like a value-adding practice. It can be a marketing stunt but chances of this practice becoming a norm are very slim.

Purohit futher explains, “Once employees are aware of this practice in their respective companies then what they share in the exit interview may not be 100% true since they know the larger public audience will be privy to this. As a general practice such interviews are strictly confidential and rightly so. The main reason behind these exit interviews is the organizations’ own purpose to get valuable open feedback for improving their practices & process and not making it a marketing project.”

While the positives can be easily highlighted, the finer details would warrant a closer look. To make this work, organizations need to showcase both sides of the coin and not highlight only the positives aspects. Also, they need to act on the feedback received which would send a positive message to the outside world and would definitely reinforce their values as an organization. The professional world understands the fact that every organization has some shortcomings. What matters most is that they are open to accepting them and are agile enough to take necessary action.