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Operations committee presses HR for clearer exit-interview data after separations rise
Summary
Peoria County committee members asked HR to improve collection and use of exit-interview data to better understand resignations and retention costs after reviewing the monthly workforce report.
Peoria County's Operations Committee on April 22 pressed human resources staff to collect clearer exit-interview data to better understand why employees leave and to inform retention strategies.
Committee members raised the issue after Administrator Sorrell and HR Director Angela Loftus reviewed the monthly workforce report, which included hires, applications, workforce demographics and separations through March. Member Phelan asked whether additional separation data are being collected to allow deeper analysis.
Sorrell said exit interviews are offered but not taken by everyone and that the county tracks retirements, disciplinary separations and resignations for other employment. "We always offer those who separate an exit interview. Not everyone that separates takes it," he said, adding that the county tends to collect exit data only from those who voluntarily participate.
Several committee members urged more systematic collection. Member Veil (identified in the transcript as asking for more clarity) and Member El Sasser emphasized the cost of onboarding replacements and the potential value of categorizing resignations by reason — for example, pay, relocation or other employment. Dr. Blair asked how HR gathers exit information; Loftus said it is currently an email- or paper-based survey.
Committee members suggested making the survey simpler or moving it online to increase response rates and recommended focusing primarily on resignations (rather than retirements or terminations) because resignations are the category most useful for retention planning. "If it is consistent things like pay, that's something that would be valuable," Dr. Blair said.
Sorrell and Loftus agreed to take the request back to HR and consider additional practices to categorize and analyze separation reasons so the committee can use the data to inform retention policy.
The discussion occurred during the committee's regular informational items and did not result in a formal vote or policy change.
Peoria County staff indicated they will follow up with the committee with potential improvements and additional data if available.
