What does an employer do if they find out a good employee has been interviewing outside of the co.?

Answer 1

It depends on the company. I have seen companies respond by firing the employee and I have seen them respond by giving the employee a raise and a promotion. The enlightened companies recognize that every good employee can get offers from outside the company and they accept it as a fact of business life, and try to provide a good working environment to hold on to their best workers.

Answer 2

There is a difference between what normally happens, and what they should do. Normally the employer get's defensive.

Instead they should sit the employee down and do a retention interview. In fact they should take the time to interview their entire department.

Ask what is best about working here, worst. Where they see their career going, what problems do they want to solve. What issues would make them leave, etc. At the end of the interview they should tell the employee that "I heard you may be pursuing other opportunities" what can I do to help you continue your career here. Suggest implementing some of their answers, and then do it.

Some people interview once or twice a year just to know their worth, not because they want to leave. So take that into consideration when speaking.

Answer 3

Personally, be disappointed because you'll probably lose a great employee.
Ethically, be happy for him/her. Just because he/she is good, doesn't mean the employer should keep them for themselves. My opinion is, no matter what job, and how well you are doing in that job, always keep an eye out in the market. There may always be a "golden chance" for people.
In fact, I don't encourage my employees to do so, but if they do, I don't get mad at them. I actually praise them. If they're any good, and maybe be getting better as time passes by, they should always look up and higher. Don't ever keep an employee down.
Even as a manager, I'm still looking. Doesn't mean I'm going to take the first job that comes. It just means that I'm always keeping my options open.

Answer 4

Hi, I'm in HR. A good employer playing by the rules does nothing, until you give your notice. If you are having people call for references though, you better tell your supervisor that someone might be calling him/her. You never want a reference call to arrive by surprise. I have come across some companies that start looking to replace you as soon as they suspect you're leaving. It's not very employee friendly, but it's not illegal. If you are interviewing and seriously considering leaving, you might want to tell your supervisor, so he/she can help you and prepare, or as someone said, try to persuade you to stay. Only you can judge your relationship and the atmosphere at work, as to whether or not you want to do that. You should not be penalized if someone finds out indirectly that you are interviewing. But if the cat is out of the bag, you might want to go public yourself to do some damage control. Good luck.

Answer 5

Just say, "I heard you had an interview at company X.How did it go?" Let them answer and then say "We'd hate to lose you...."
Then ask why they are interviewing there.
Is it for more money?
Are they unhappy at your company?
Once the reason is determined it is likely the employer can find a way to keep this employee.

Answer 6

It wouldn't hurt to sit down with the employee, let them know that you value them, and ask them if they're willing to tell you why they're thinking about leaving.

Sounds silly maybe, but there might be something you can easily fix. Worth a try anyway.

Answer 7

Sometimes they will try to keep the person by giving a raise or promotion.

Answer 8

Ask them if there is a problem with their job or it is a money situation. Don't start panicing!

Answer 9

I think they fire them.