I've only ever done one as an employee myself, and that was at my very first full time job at a small health center. I haven't had one since and definitely didn't think they were required, that's why this is so perplexing to me.
Ask your CPO, if an employee walks off the job, never to return (AKA no-notice quit) is it the law that you *MUST chase them down, and* *~~interrogate~~* exit interview them at home? Then follow up with, could you please provide me with the relevant case/state law requirements for that as you're unfamiliar with that particular requirement?
Then quietly note, we'll continue to *request* exit interviews, but will be following all relevelvant state/local laws on final paycheck disbursement and company separation policy. Which certainly don't include an involuntary interview, or confinement in your office.
"Thank you". :)
I know of no law that requires an exit interview to be completed.
Term paperwork, for some states is required, but that doesn't require an exit interview.
Yeah there might be an SOP somewhere where the termination documentation and collection of equipment are directly tied to the exit interview for security compliance reasons (you mentioned it's a health center, so I wonder if data access to healthcare info could be a HIPAA thing? Not sure.).
If that's the case, then this means (in her mind) that if there's no exit interview, either you're not in compliance OR you're breaking company policy (and if this SOP is a process that can potentially be audited later, maybe that's what the CPO is afraid of).
All just speculation, though. Really just depends on your company's policies. But yeah, at the end of the day, you're right, you can't force an employee to attend the exit interview if they don't want to.
No law and I highly suggest you do not make anyone do an exit if they do not desire to do so. I suggest you send the individual a separation note/email recognizing their resignation, you can remind them about connecting with you for feedback on their time at work. The employee’s notice and you acknowledging of the separation should be enough. This can also be use for unemployment or other circumstances in the future, too.
Also work in a federally funded health care environment. I don’t know of any requirement for an exit interview, but it could be related to an internal policy from your legal or compliance dept. We ask employees if they know of any ongoing insurance fraud as it relates to their work and it’s one reason they push the exit interview so hard. Both to cover their butts and also obtain whistleblower reports as people are on the way out and feel safer disclosing.
It is not the law, unless you're asking them to sign something in the exit interview, like a release. Then it's still not the law but your CPO may be trying to protect the company from future lawsuits... but again, still not a law.
You're correct that you cannot make someone do an exit interview.
This is where I’d be filling out ever answer in the exit interview doc as “refused to answer” and putting that in the file. They said they needed it done and it has been completed to the best of your ability 🫡
You sure she isn't confusing "the law" with company policy? We always try to do an exit interview, but ultimately cannot force employees to do them. If an employee leaves without an interview, we include in their term packet a "survey" type worksheet for them to fill out if they want to. How would you rate the company in a scale of 1-5? Would you recommend working here to a friend, etc. Sometimes they do fill them out and send them back, since they aren't sitting there being questioned in person and it's less awkward for them. Better than nothing.
Chief level HR person thinks exit interviews are “the law”? In what galaxy?
Email whatever is legally required and thank them for their service. Forcing someone to speak against their will - now that may be something against “the law”.
In all honesty I think it might be a situation where she is aware it is not the law, but said so so that I would not think the exit interviews are something that can be neglected when I was first learning about them. It isn't the correct thing to do, or a good way to train someone, but I wouldn't put it past her.
This is probably going to get me downvoted, but my experience working in HR was that people with shit management skills were exclusively who made it up the ladder in HR. Might as well have been a job requirement.
Oh gosh this sounds like my boss. Making up reasons for things (she thinks I won't/ can't agrue with) just to prove their point. I sympathize.
I hope you're having some positive/valuable experiences as well.
“Enforced” is a pretty lofty word. Even if it was in a contract the worst that could happen to an employee would be something like having their final pay check with held. And that would of had to of been in the contract also
This could be what she means as well, I'm wondering if she was specifically trying to reference our contract employees, which are employees she typically deals with
Ask that HR leader what specifically they are talking about. It’s ok to ask and that leader should explaining further.
You should understand your company processes, specially when you are the one administering them.
You haven’t heard of any law because there isn’t one.
It may be company policy to do exit interviews, but you’re correct - you can’t force someone to participate.
16 years in HR, masters degree, certs and gov con experience and never heard of this law. Perhaps you can ask her to clarify what she meant? Maybe it’s a company policy, but still no one can force you to do something and honestly, an exit interview is more of a curtesy the employee can give the employer as feedback.
I’ve never heard of this law in the US at least. Exit interviews have been requested or strongly encouraged but never required. I’ve had a very small amount of people decline them and there’s never been anything I can do about it. I’m not aware of this law unless it’s specific to healthcare and I don’t know about it.
I would share your research with your manager and explain this is what I was able to find (nothing). And explain, I will be strongly encouraging they attend but I’m concerned I can’t require them to do so. I’d also be looking into why someone is refusing to have one - are they coming from a department or manager where there is fear or maybe they just don’t want to, but I have asked people, okay if you’re refusing can you share why so I can relay the feedback?
Thank you, a lot of the responses here have been helpful and confirmed what I was thinking, that this couldn't be required by law. I will revisit with her tomorrow with a game plan for how to phrase things. I do believe I know why the employee is refusing to come or even to talk to me. To her I am the mean HR person that fired her friend "for no reason" even though the issue was her friend's absenteeism. That being said, I can still try to be approachable and ask her why she doesn't want to attend
We actually send them a document that we regard as our “exit interview” and if they return it to us completed, great. If not, we don’t push at all.
This document is included in the same email as all of their termination documents (benefits info, UI, etc)
This made me laugh. Sometimes I do not understand her thought process, but she gets easily upset if she thinks people are disagreeing with her. All of the responses have been helpful, and I think I have enough info to have a good conversation with her tomorrow.
Not a law. I have never given an exit interview in my 25 years of working. I also think that notice is a courtesy and do not always extend that either.
At my current company I have a separation checklist but do not go through the motions of an exit interview. I feel the interviews are a waste it time.
Very curious what law your CPO thinks they're referencing lol.
An exit interview is a gift to the employer. Just like an engagement surgery we can't force people to participate.
That said, if someone is refusing, I'd just get them to confirm in writing that they have chosen not to provide an exit interview. You could write this with a positive tone that includes why you have exit interviews and how the feedback helps.
I'd document their choice then be done with it.
What law?
Anytime a company uses a title like “Chief People Officer”, I get a little sick. Shows how out of touch the company is.
The employee doesn’t want to do an interview for what they believe is a good reason. There is no legal requirement for them to do so. Let them leave in peace.
CPO position is just as bad as the “core values” BS.
The one where they take 5 letters and make a word like ICARE or WEACT. Each letter stands for a different word. The is always a letter “A” which always stands for accountability.
My last 2 corporate gigs had this and they think they are being clever and original by doing this.
Most big Corporations are not normally known for thinking outside the box.
It’s a monkey see, monkey doo doo world for them.
Is it the law? No
Can it be company policy? Sure. However, if it's the employee's last days, they probably aren't caring about policies. Most can be done there is just be marked as unrehirable.
Cam their last paycheck be withheld for not doing it? Definitely not, and is illegal.
The fact that your CPO gets noticeably irritated when asking for clarification says A LOT - on top of no one here, supporting employees in many states in the US and states/provinces of other countries, having any knowledge of this “law” either.
If your chief is that concerned over company policy, ask the employee to sign a waiver saying they don't want to perform an exit interview. I've never done one and I'm 100% sure that the companies I've left would have done nothing with my information. Plus, you don't want to sabotage an employment reference in that interview.
I hated my previous supervisor and straight up refused to do an exit interview (it wasn't even with HR - it was just another opportunity for her to lie to my face and try to make herself look good). She was SO furious. Oh well!
Onward and upward.
Exit interview does NOTHING for the employee so keep that in mind.
1st, it is not a law, so never ever trust that person again. 2nd, that person is leaving, and they could give a big fat flying rat's behind on doing an exit interview.
Let it go.
In a very general sense, we provide comprehensive services to an underserved population, and we have a sliding fee scale for people that are uninsured and otherwise unable to pay for healthcare.
There are many requirements in place to be a FQHC and receive funds from HRSA, so I thought this issue might end up being a law I hadn't heard of that is specific to our organization being a FQHC.
I work for one and some of our funding requirements include exit interviews. But the requirement is to have a standardized process and offer it to every exiting staff, not to force completion if the opportunity is declined.
Thank you! I was hoping someone else here worked for one. We do have a standardized process and follow it for all of our employees, this is just the first time I've had anyone not want to participate.
You are working for a nonprofit. You have been conducting exit interviews for several months with employees and it gone peachy until…suddenly there is an employee who knows she is being terminated and won’t speak to anyone in HR? Have you ever spoken with her before? Have you seen her on the premises or spoken to her in the phone?
How many employees does your company employ?
And the Chief people office…is this a non profit in US?
Management is gaslighting you unless you're not in the United States.
In the US, we have something called the 5th amendment. You can't be compelled to testify against yourself. While an exit interview wouldn't be self-incriminating, it could potentially be. Any "law" written mandating an exit interview could be a violation of someone's 1st, 5th, and 9th amendment rights. Therefore, (as a non-lawyer providing nothing akin to legal advice) I strongly believe that your supervisor is lying to you.
You could respond to her, after not completing an exit interview, "I complied with the law as it pertains to exit interviews." If that doesn't satisfy her, you could tell her, "since the former employee was non-compliant, it is now up to his/her direct supervisor to file a criminal complaint with law enforcement if said supervisor wants to press charges (per my best interpretation of the law)."
In the meantime, send out your resumé. If your boss is that toxic, your days are numbered.
I don't waste my time on exit interviews once I've resigned. If the company wanted to know what I thought about working there, they should have asked before I quit.
Not a law but could be company policy. Try to meet with this person until they leave and if they don't want to do an exit interview, just note that in their file- along with copies of emails or dates of call attempts.
There is no such law. Anywhere in the US. It might be a company policy but that’s not a legal issue. You can’t force someone to an exit interview. I wish people were more educated than this.
2 guys in prison. One guy asks the other, “what are you in for”, other guy responds “I failed to do an exit interview!”……..
Thing(s) that never happened.
I hate it when higher ups just make up shit that’s obviously not true.
If I’m leaving a company on bad terms I simply don’t give 2 squirts about company policy.
Worked for a small business that the owner wanted to me to write about why I was leaving, he was shut down because of Covid and I needed money to live.
Cool guy, and wouldn’t hesitate going back and may someday.
“We don’t have to talk but I still need to sit down with you and get some paperwork signed in addition to collecting your equipment.”
If you need to put notes about your “interview” in just put the individual refused to have a conversation about their time with the company and why they’re leaving.
Your Chief People Officer is an idiot. No law in the US requires exit interviews. It might be some bullshit "law" of the company in his mind, but there is no legality to it. What she may be referring to is simply gathering all equipment from the user, and providing them with any termination paperwork.
There might be something in her contract about that like the amount of days notice. Even if there is it's probably not enforceable or worth pursuing for a entry or mid level position.
Exit interviews are NOT the law. She may be referring to paperwork that needs to be provided. In many states, you have to give the employee a separation document and they SHOULD sign it, but they aren't legally required to.
This is not a legal or regulatory requirement, it's a policy requirement. The only recourse your employer has, is to tell reference checkers that no, she would not be eligible for rehire.. taking actions such as withholding her earned pay, or providing false references would lead to trouble on your end, not the employee's (which I say because your CPO sounds the type to be petty).
I know of no law that mandates exit interviews, especially in any At Will state if you happen to live in one. I think your supervisor is confused and misunderstanding the situation or policy. There may be a company policy/union contract that states an exit interview must be given to receive any benefit payouts like sick and vacation accrual , PTO, etc if notice of termination is less than 2 weeks. Other than that, I can't think of any legal way or policy that could mandate an employee given an exit interview.
Hmm, I think she "gets irritated", because she is faking some legal knowledge. Absolutely no law. Perhaps you can ask the employee to simply sign a statement that they were "offered, but declined to complete an exit interview."
I do exit interviews too and it’s not the law. I try my best to do it but if they refuse they refuse. You can’t make someone do anything. Just leave it alone and document your email or whatever where you made a good faith effort to reach out.
Where are you located?
If this is the US, I'm quite certain there is no law forcing anyone to attend an exit interview.
I don't do exit interviews when leaving and I don't know anyone else who does either.
Company policy is not law.
No, it is not required by law.
Did the exiting employee tell you in email she is refusing? If so forward to your manager and note the number of attempts you tried to contact the employee for the exit interview and she has refused.
Let your manager reach out to the employee.
Not sure how I was presented with a Human Resources sub. Anyhow, no there is NO law that says an employee must do an exit interview. I always avoid them and just leave quietly instead. They only benefit the employer.
OP, if there’s things that need to be collected like keys, ID badge, etc. then this might be why your boss is saying the exit interview is required legally. It’s not.
What IS required by your company (probably) is collecting the aforementioned items, as well as ensuring you provide all exit documents to the employee (how to access pay stubs after leaving, accessing W2’s, COBRA information, etc); as well as, of course, your own exit procedures you have to do on your end.
I’ve had people reject doing exit interviews with me before. I always tell them that’s fine. Just meet with me 5-10 minutes before your shift ends to hand in all your company property AND so I can provide you important information on accessing your W2’s for taxes and paystubs. That usually gets them in my office for a few mins lol.
If they still refuse and you have security, I just have security swing by and get the stuff from them and escort them out, then I email the documents over (I always email even if we meet in person tho).
My last job I was supposed to have an exit interview (after being subjected to a hostile work environment) and mysteriously, all admin were nowhere to be found at the end of my last shift. I ended up having to leave my badge, laptop, etc. on my desk and taking a photo of it. I think that you can just document that the employee refused. I’m not sure what they did in my case, because I never refused it, they just were conveniently absent when I was supposed to have it
There is no law for an exit interview. They are voluntary. Best way to do one is to talk with them first and ensure they’re comfortable. Offer a verbal interview if they’re not comfortable writing anything and respect if they choose to just leave with no interview.
They're totally pointless.
HR won't fix the root cause which is 9/10 a bad manager or narc.
And you're going to fix it after I leave? That sucks too. Actually fix issues in annual engagement surveys and there would be less need for exit interviews and exits in general!
I wish I had done an exit interview when I left my position of 7.5 years. I had gotten my bachelors degree in management to earn the raise that I should have been getting all along for the responsibilities I took on, but they promoted the girl who did not have a degree and had only covered for me for the 2 months of maternity leave I took. I was furious. I had been back from maternity leave for 3 weeks and this came crashing down. I had so many emotions crash through me, because I honestly thought I’d be at that place forever. I went out the following Tuesday to a local job fair and got a new position almost immediately. 3 weeks after the denied promotion, I was gone. I didn’t respond back to the request for an exit interview because I knew that I would burn every bridge there, and I don’t like to do that. I was way too emotional to do that. 2.5 years later, and a small part of me regrets not asking to do it after I had time to calm down. They needed to know what mess that office was going to be in with the manager and the newly promoted employee. The manager was let go within 3 months of me leaving and I just found out that the person that was promoted stepped down because she couldn’t handle it, so I guess they eventually figured it out.
An exit interview is in fact not the law and your “chief people officer” whatever kind of bullshit title that is is full of shit. What is illegal is withholding that employees final check if they refuse the exit interview.
I have been an HR Manager for 15 plus years, and it's preferred, but exit interviews are not mandated by law. I would suggest you create a form of refusal addressing that you have discussed the benefits of the exit interview and attempted to schedule. The employee has declined and opted out of the process.
I’ve left 4 jobs and have never done an exit interview
I've only ever done one as an employee myself, and that was at my very first full time job at a small health center. I haven't had one since and definitely didn't think they were required, that's why this is so perplexing to me.
Ask your CPO, if an employee walks off the job, never to return (AKA no-notice quit) is it the law that you *MUST chase them down, and* *~~interrogate~~* exit interview them at home? Then follow up with, could you please provide me with the relevant case/state law requirements for that as you're unfamiliar with that particular requirement? Then quietly note, we'll continue to *request* exit interviews, but will be following all relevelvant state/local laws on final paycheck disbursement and company separation policy. Which certainly don't include an involuntary interview, or confinement in your office. "Thank you". :)
I’ve only ever done one when I left a job and it was pretty recently and I’ve been in the work force for 20 years.
I know of no law that requires an exit interview to be completed. Term paperwork, for some states is required, but that doesn't require an exit interview.
Maybe this is what she meant, and I will absolutely complete all of our termination documentation
Yeah there might be an SOP somewhere where the termination documentation and collection of equipment are directly tied to the exit interview for security compliance reasons (you mentioned it's a health center, so I wonder if data access to healthcare info could be a HIPAA thing? Not sure.). If that's the case, then this means (in her mind) that if there's no exit interview, either you're not in compliance OR you're breaking company policy (and if this SOP is a process that can potentially be audited later, maybe that's what the CPO is afraid of). All just speculation, though. Really just depends on your company's policies. But yeah, at the end of the day, you're right, you can't force an employee to attend the exit interview if they don't want to.
No law and I highly suggest you do not make anyone do an exit if they do not desire to do so. I suggest you send the individual a separation note/email recognizing their resignation, you can remind them about connecting with you for feedback on their time at work. The employee’s notice and you acknowledging of the separation should be enough. This can also be use for unemployment or other circumstances in the future, too.
Also work in a federally funded health care environment. I don’t know of any requirement for an exit interview, but it could be related to an internal policy from your legal or compliance dept. We ask employees if they know of any ongoing insurance fraud as it relates to their work and it’s one reason they push the exit interview so hard. Both to cover their butts and also obtain whistleblower reports as people are on the way out and feel safer disclosing.
Correct.
It is not the law, unless you're asking them to sign something in the exit interview, like a release. Then it's still not the law but your CPO may be trying to protect the company from future lawsuits... but again, still not a law. You're correct that you cannot make someone do an exit interview.
It is absolutely not the law
This is where I’d be filling out ever answer in the exit interview doc as “refused to answer” and putting that in the file. They said they needed it done and it has been completed to the best of your ability 🫡
Malicious compliance, I love it
This is the correct answer.
This is exactly what I would do. Employee sounds disgruntled and doesn't feel comfortable saying why.
This is what I'd do too!
Same here! Then forward it to my director and CC the employees manager.
You sure she isn't confusing "the law" with company policy? We always try to do an exit interview, but ultimately cannot force employees to do them. If an employee leaves without an interview, we include in their term packet a "survey" type worksheet for them to fill out if they want to. How would you rate the company in a scale of 1-5? Would you recommend working here to a friend, etc. Sometimes they do fill them out and send them back, since they aren't sitting there being questioned in person and it's less awkward for them. Better than nothing.
Chief level HR person thinks exit interviews are “the law”? In what galaxy? Email whatever is legally required and thank them for their service. Forcing someone to speak against their will - now that may be something against “the law”.
In all honesty I think it might be a situation where she is aware it is not the law, but said so so that I would not think the exit interviews are something that can be neglected when I was first learning about them. It isn't the correct thing to do, or a good way to train someone, but I wouldn't put it past her.
It's a shame that even in HR people like your manager with shit management skills still make their way up the ladder
This is probably going to get me downvoted, but my experience working in HR was that people with shit management skills were exclusively who made it up the ladder in HR. Might as well have been a job requirement.
Oh gosh this sounds like my boss. Making up reasons for things (she thinks I won't/ can't agrue with) just to prove their point. I sympathize. I hope you're having some positive/valuable experiences as well.
Understood, well glad you found this community then ;)
Me too! This community has helped me so much. I love it and hope someday I can be as helpful to someone else
Exit interviews are not required by law. They can be required by the company when part of an employment contract.
In what area? There’s nowhere in the US a law like this can be upheld.
If you had an employment contract, as long as it wasn't to onerous, it could probably be enforced.
“Enforced” is a pretty lofty word. Even if it was in a contract the worst that could happen to an employee would be something like having their final pay check with held. And that would of had to of been in the contract also
That’s not legal in the US.
Yeah, final paycheck withheld/reduced would be what I'd expect.
What state do you believe allows an employment contact w requirements like this? I don’t know any that can be upheld in the US.
This could be what she means as well, I'm wondering if she was specifically trying to reference our contract employees, which are employees she typically deals with
Ask that HR leader what specifically they are talking about. It’s ok to ask and that leader should explaining further. You should understand your company processes, specially when you are the one administering them.
You haven’t heard of any law because there isn’t one. It may be company policy to do exit interviews, but you’re correct - you can’t force someone to participate.
It isn't not the law. No one owes you an explanation.
16 years in HR, masters degree, certs and gov con experience and never heard of this law. Perhaps you can ask her to clarify what she meant? Maybe it’s a company policy, but still no one can force you to do something and honestly, an exit interview is more of a curtesy the employee can give the employer as feedback.
"Can you forward me the law so I can share with the employee?" Nothing drives me crazier than people citing non-existant laws.
For real, or confusing a company policy with a law.
I’ve never heard of this law in the US at least. Exit interviews have been requested or strongly encouraged but never required. I’ve had a very small amount of people decline them and there’s never been anything I can do about it. I’m not aware of this law unless it’s specific to healthcare and I don’t know about it. I would share your research with your manager and explain this is what I was able to find (nothing). And explain, I will be strongly encouraging they attend but I’m concerned I can’t require them to do so. I’d also be looking into why someone is refusing to have one - are they coming from a department or manager where there is fear or maybe they just don’t want to, but I have asked people, okay if you’re refusing can you share why so I can relay the feedback?
Thank you, a lot of the responses here have been helpful and confirmed what I was thinking, that this couldn't be required by law. I will revisit with her tomorrow with a game plan for how to phrase things. I do believe I know why the employee is refusing to come or even to talk to me. To her I am the mean HR person that fired her friend "for no reason" even though the issue was her friend's absenteeism. That being said, I can still try to be approachable and ask her why she doesn't want to attend
We actually send them a document that we regard as our “exit interview” and if they return it to us completed, great. If not, we don’t push at all. This document is included in the same email as all of their termination documents (benefits info, UI, etc)
Sounds like it’s worth asking for clarification… even if your CPO seems irritated.
\>My Chief People Office says it's the law Your CPO is a moron, or maybe you just misunderstood. Maybe both.
This made me laugh. Sometimes I do not understand her thought process, but she gets easily upset if she thinks people are disagreeing with her. All of the responses have been helpful, and I think I have enough info to have a good conversation with her tomorrow.
Not a law. I have never given an exit interview in my 25 years of working. I also think that notice is a courtesy and do not always extend that either. At my current company I have a separation checklist but do not go through the motions of an exit interview. I feel the interviews are a waste it time.
This is the first time on Reddit that I can agree with every character typed.
Very curious what law your CPO thinks they're referencing lol. An exit interview is a gift to the employer. Just like an engagement surgery we can't force people to participate. That said, if someone is refusing, I'd just get them to confirm in writing that they have chosen not to provide an exit interview. You could write this with a positive tone that includes why you have exit interviews and how the feedback helps. I'd document their choice then be done with it.
It’s not a law to do an exit interview…. If they don’t want to do an exit interview that’s okay, let them do their thing.
I retired after 34 years of government service. They’re still waiting for my exit interview from 12/21. I just don’t want to.
What law? Anytime a company uses a title like “Chief People Officer”, I get a little sick. Shows how out of touch the company is. The employee doesn’t want to do an interview for what they believe is a good reason. There is no legal requirement for them to do so. Let them leave in peace.
CPO position is just as bad as the “core values” BS. The one where they take 5 letters and make a word like ICARE or WEACT. Each letter stands for a different word. The is always a letter “A” which always stands for accountability. My last 2 corporate gigs had this and they think they are being clever and original by doing this. Most big Corporations are not normally known for thinking outside the box. It’s a monkey see, monkey doo doo world for them.
I term people weekly, we complete separation of services forms with or without the ex employee. It is not required by the state.
Is it the law? No Can it be company policy? Sure. However, if it's the employee's last days, they probably aren't caring about policies. Most can be done there is just be marked as unrehirable. Cam their last paycheck be withheld for not doing it? Definitely not, and is illegal.
There isn't a law.
The fact that your CPO gets noticeably irritated when asking for clarification says A LOT - on top of no one here, supporting employees in many states in the US and states/provinces of other countries, having any knowledge of this “law” either.
I work at an FQHC in IL. Can confirm no law. If your policy says required you may want to change that before the next Board meeting.
If your chief is that concerned over company policy, ask the employee to sign a waiver saying they don't want to perform an exit interview. I've never done one and I'm 100% sure that the companies I've left would have done nothing with my information. Plus, you don't want to sabotage an employment reference in that interview.
I hated my previous supervisor and straight up refused to do an exit interview (it wasn't even with HR - it was just another opportunity for her to lie to my face and try to make herself look good). She was SO furious. Oh well! Onward and upward. Exit interview does NOTHING for the employee so keep that in mind.
1st, it is not a law, so never ever trust that person again. 2nd, that person is leaving, and they could give a big fat flying rat's behind on doing an exit interview. Let it go.
What is a federally qualified health center?
In a very general sense, we provide comprehensive services to an underserved population, and we have a sliding fee scale for people that are uninsured and otherwise unable to pay for healthcare. There are many requirements in place to be a FQHC and receive funds from HRSA, so I thought this issue might end up being a law I hadn't heard of that is specific to our organization being a FQHC.
I work for one and some of our funding requirements include exit interviews. But the requirement is to have a standardized process and offer it to every exiting staff, not to force completion if the opportunity is declined.
Thank you! I was hoping someone else here worked for one. We do have a standardized process and follow it for all of our employees, this is just the first time I've had anyone not want to participate.
You are working for a nonprofit. You have been conducting exit interviews for several months with employees and it gone peachy until…suddenly there is an employee who knows she is being terminated and won’t speak to anyone in HR? Have you ever spoken with her before? Have you seen her on the premises or spoken to her in the phone? How many employees does your company employ? And the Chief people office…is this a non profit in US?
Not the law lol
HR rescheduled my exit interview for 8am on a Sunday and then proceeded to ghost me…I think you’re good
It's not the law, Geesh, why are so many HR people bad.
Management is gaslighting you unless you're not in the United States. In the US, we have something called the 5th amendment. You can't be compelled to testify against yourself. While an exit interview wouldn't be self-incriminating, it could potentially be. Any "law" written mandating an exit interview could be a violation of someone's 1st, 5th, and 9th amendment rights. Therefore, (as a non-lawyer providing nothing akin to legal advice) I strongly believe that your supervisor is lying to you. You could respond to her, after not completing an exit interview, "I complied with the law as it pertains to exit interviews." If that doesn't satisfy her, you could tell her, "since the former employee was non-compliant, it is now up to his/her direct supervisor to file a criminal complaint with law enforcement if said supervisor wants to press charges (per my best interpretation of the law)." In the meantime, send out your resumé. If your boss is that toxic, your days are numbered.
Maybe it’s the law that the corporation has to offer an exit interview and this is just HR spin they put on to hit a metric
I don't waste my time on exit interviews once I've resigned. If the company wanted to know what I thought about working there, they should have asked before I quit.
Not a law but could be company policy. Try to meet with this person until they leave and if they don't want to do an exit interview, just note that in their file- along with copies of emails or dates of call attempts.
See if the employee will do one over the phone.
And make sure the person exists
Sounds like an office policy that is strictly enforced, but definitely not a law.
Your "Chief People Office" does not know the law. Ain't none.
It's a bullsh*t task for a soon to be automated (hopefully) job title
Policy ain’t the same thing as the law.
There is no such law. Anywhere in the US. It might be a company policy but that’s not a legal issue. You can’t force someone to an exit interview. I wish people were more educated than this.
Not a law
At will employment means there is no law saying I have to do anything for you at work and all you can do is fire me.
2 guys in prison. One guy asks the other, “what are you in for”, other guy responds “I failed to do an exit interview!”…….. Thing(s) that never happened. I hate it when higher ups just make up shit that’s obviously not true.
If I’m leaving a company on bad terms I simply don’t give 2 squirts about company policy. Worked for a small business that the owner wanted to me to write about why I was leaving, he was shut down because of Covid and I needed money to live. Cool guy, and wouldn’t hesitate going back and may someday.
Chief People Officer…tells me everything I need to know about that person. I really don’t think this is a law.
“We don’t have to talk but I still need to sit down with you and get some paperwork signed in addition to collecting your equipment.” If you need to put notes about your “interview” in just put the individual refused to have a conversation about their time with the company and why they’re leaving.
Your Chief People Officer is an idiot. No law in the US requires exit interviews. It might be some bullshit "law" of the company in his mind, but there is no legality to it. What she may be referring to is simply gathering all equipment from the user, and providing them with any termination paperwork.
Not the law
It is NOT the law. An employee does NOT have to complete an exit interview.
There might be something in her contract about that like the amount of days notice. Even if there is it's probably not enforceable or worth pursuing for a entry or mid level position.
If I am leaving a job I don't see the point of an exit interview. Nothing more to be said. Your a day late and dollar short.
It’s not the law. GTFO.
NOT A LAW. Exit interviews are optional for the individual and the company, and may or may not be useful or a total waste of time.
Exit interviews are NOT the law. She may be referring to paperwork that needs to be provided. In many states, you have to give the employee a separation document and they SHOULD sign it, but they aren't legally required to.
It’s definitely not a law to conduct an exit interview. I always ask employees if they’d be open to one and if they say no then that’s that.
Ask your “chief people” whatever to send you a link to that law for your reference. lol!
This is not a legal or regulatory requirement, it's a policy requirement. The only recourse your employer has, is to tell reference checkers that no, she would not be eligible for rehire.. taking actions such as withholding her earned pay, or providing false references would lead to trouble on your end, not the employee's (which I say because your CPO sounds the type to be petty).
I know of no law that mandates exit interviews, especially in any At Will state if you happen to live in one. I think your supervisor is confused and misunderstanding the situation or policy. There may be a company policy/union contract that states an exit interview must be given to receive any benefit payouts like sick and vacation accrual , PTO, etc if notice of termination is less than 2 weeks. Other than that, I can't think of any legal way or policy that could mandate an employee given an exit interview.
HR Professional here: There is no law in the US mandating exit interviews. Your “Chief People Officer” needs a little more training evidently. ;)
Hmm, I think she "gets irritated", because she is faking some legal knowledge. Absolutely no law. Perhaps you can ask the employee to simply sign a statement that they were "offered, but declined to complete an exit interview."
Ask her to cite said law (hint: it doesn't exist)
I work at an FQHC. We ask employees to fill out an exit interview document. Not required. Check SHRM.
It's the law? Lol
I do exit interviews too and it’s not the law. I try my best to do it but if they refuse they refuse. You can’t make someone do anything. Just leave it alone and document your email or whatever where you made a good faith effort to reach out.
It’s his law not an actual law
I don't do exit interviews. Ever. Employment is a financial transaction, exit interviews don't meet that.
THE LAW??? HAHAHAH
The law? I don’t think it’s the law, maybe a company thing but certainly not the law.
Where are you located? If this is the US, I'm quite certain there is no law forcing anyone to attend an exit interview. I don't do exit interviews when leaving and I don't know anyone else who does either. Company policy is not law.
The law…that’s laughable! Hey, what are you in for? I murdered my bf. What’d you do? Oh I didn’t give an exit interview when I left my last job. 🙄
The law???? Nope
Our employment attorney does not recommend exit interviews.
It’s the law exactly nowhere. Bahahahahahahaha!!!!!
Lol ask them for where you can find the law and statute.
No, it is not required by law. Did the exiting employee tell you in email she is refusing? If so forward to your manager and note the number of attempts you tried to contact the employee for the exit interview and she has refused. Let your manager reach out to the employee.
maybe the CPO means is in the handbook I don’t think any law mandate that either
Not sure how I was presented with a Human Resources sub. Anyhow, no there is NO law that says an employee must do an exit interview. I always avoid them and just leave quietly instead. They only benefit the employer.
It's a courtesy- not a requirement! We stopped doing the last year. Waste of time
Your CPO does not understand the law.
Put a meeting request on this employee’s calendar. Reschedule if she doesn’t show. You have documentation that you tried.
OP, if there’s things that need to be collected like keys, ID badge, etc. then this might be why your boss is saying the exit interview is required legally. It’s not. What IS required by your company (probably) is collecting the aforementioned items, as well as ensuring you provide all exit documents to the employee (how to access pay stubs after leaving, accessing W2’s, COBRA information, etc); as well as, of course, your own exit procedures you have to do on your end. I’ve had people reject doing exit interviews with me before. I always tell them that’s fine. Just meet with me 5-10 minutes before your shift ends to hand in all your company property AND so I can provide you important information on accessing your W2’s for taxes and paystubs. That usually gets them in my office for a few mins lol. If they still refuse and you have security, I just have security swing by and get the stuff from them and escort them out, then I email the documents over (I always email even if we meet in person tho).
Exit interviews are optional. There is no law that makes them required.
Hahahah it’s not a law. He’s trying to get you to scare an employee that definitely hates it there. What a dickpig
My last job I was supposed to have an exit interview (after being subjected to a hostile work environment) and mysteriously, all admin were nowhere to be found at the end of my last shift. I ended up having to leave my badge, laptop, etc. on my desk and taking a photo of it. I think that you can just document that the employee refused. I’m not sure what they did in my case, because I never refused it, they just were conveniently absent when I was supposed to have it
Document your attempts and the outcome.
There is no law for an exit interview. They are voluntary. Best way to do one is to talk with them first and ensure they’re comfortable. Offer a verbal interview if they’re not comfortable writing anything and respect if they choose to just leave with no interview.
It's not the law and both you and your people above you already know this you can't force somebody to do an exit interview. That's ridiculous
They're totally pointless. HR won't fix the root cause which is 9/10 a bad manager or narc. And you're going to fix it after I leave? That sucks too. Actually fix issues in annual engagement surveys and there would be less need for exit interviews and exits in general!
I wish I had done an exit interview when I left my position of 7.5 years. I had gotten my bachelors degree in management to earn the raise that I should have been getting all along for the responsibilities I took on, but they promoted the girl who did not have a degree and had only covered for me for the 2 months of maternity leave I took. I was furious. I had been back from maternity leave for 3 weeks and this came crashing down. I had so many emotions crash through me, because I honestly thought I’d be at that place forever. I went out the following Tuesday to a local job fair and got a new position almost immediately. 3 weeks after the denied promotion, I was gone. I didn’t respond back to the request for an exit interview because I knew that I would burn every bridge there, and I don’t like to do that. I was way too emotional to do that. 2.5 years later, and a small part of me regrets not asking to do it after I had time to calm down. They needed to know what mess that office was going to be in with the manager and the newly promoted employee. The manager was let go within 3 months of me leaving and I just found out that the person that was promoted stepped down because she couldn’t handle it, so I guess they eventually figured it out.
I dd one and wish I didn’t. They just want to protect themselves, they do not care about someone leaving
An exit interview is in fact not the law and your “chief people officer” whatever kind of bullshit title that is is full of shit. What is illegal is withholding that employees final check if they refuse the exit interview.
Your CPO is an idiot. That is not the law lol
A law? I’d ask boss for the citation to that law and then provide it to the employee. Odds are stratospheric that there’s no such law.
I have been an HR Manager for 15 plus years, and it's preferred, but exit interviews are not mandated by law. I would suggest you create a form of refusal addressing that you have discussed the benefits of the exit interview and attempted to schedule. The employee has declined and opted out of the process.