Outsourced Exit Interviews, Stay Surveys, Leadership Assessments and so much more.

An Academic Research Study

Leveraging Former Employees to Drive Organizational Success

Creating Organizational Value Through Alumni

Our recent research, conducted in partnership with the University of Cincinnati, reveals a powerful insight: the relationships you build with employees before they exit can transform them into some of your organization’s most influential brand ambassadors. By fostering meaningful connections and trust, you can unlock opportunities to turn former employees—your alumni—into a valuable, long-term asset.

Alumni relations play a critical role in shaping your brand’s reputation and success. Former employees have the potential to drive immense value beyond their tenure, whether by acting as trusted advocates, referring top talent, or sparking innovation through knowledge-sharing. Some even return as “boomerang” employees, bringing fresh perspectives and renewed commitment to the organization.

Our latest white paper explores how pre-exit relationships directly impact alumni value creation, including their willingness to make high-quality referrals. It also examines how factors like workplace assurance, leadership effectiveness, and work-life balance play a pivotal role in shaping this relationship—and why understanding gender differences can take your alumni engagement strategies to the next level.

 

Workplace Assurance

A safe, ethical, and supportive workplace builds long-lasting goodwill.

Leadership Effectiveness

Positive interactions with supervisors create a foundation for continued advocacy.

Work-Life Balance

A healthy balance between professional and personal priorities fosters lasting loyalty.

Workplace Assurance

Employees thrive in environments where they feel safe, respected, and secure. This includes confidence in the organization’s ethics, a sense of job security, and an overall assurance that their contributions are valued. When employees trust their workplace, they are more likely to maintain a positive perception of the organization even after leaving. These favorable impressions increase the likelihood of alumni making high-quality referrals or speaking positively about the organization in their professional networks.

Leadership Effectiveness

The quality of leadership plays a significant role in shaping how employees view their organization long-term. Managers who demonstrate competence, provide meaningful support, and foster open communication leave a lasting positive impression on employees. These strong leadership experiences not only drive engagement during tenure but also ensure employees feel proud to recommend their former workplace to others. Alumni who had effective leaders are more likely to advocate for the organization even as they advance in their careers elsewhere.

Work-Life Balance

A supportive approach to work-life balance is a cornerstone of employee satisfaction. When employees feel that their organization genuinely values their personal well-being—through flexible scheduling, mental health support, or family-friendly policies—they are more likely to remain loyal advocates. Alumni who perceive their former organization as prioritizing work-life balance are better equipped to promote it as a desirable place to work.

 

Hsd Metrics is offering one of the most psychometrically robust measurement tools for digging into the psychology of engagement on the market today.

Dr. Brad Shuck

Research Faculty
University of Louisville

Download The White Paper

Fill out our short form to receive the White Paper. Consider outsourcing exit interviews to ExitRight and free up your HR team to focus on retention. We handle everything—from contacting employees to gathering insights—providing actionable feedback to improve employee retention and workplace culture.

ExitRight® Employee Exit Interviews

Customized Exit Interview Surveys.