{"id":32414,"date":"2025-09-05T09:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-09-05T13:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/?p=32414"},"modified":"2025-09-04T10:57:53","modified_gmt":"2025-09-04T14:57:53","slug":"exit-interview-questions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/exit-interview-questions\/","title":{"rendered":"The best exit interview questions to ask outgoing employees"},"content":{"rendered":"<header class=\"entry-header has-dark-background-color entry-header--has-illustration entry-header--has-illustration--generic\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"entry-header__row row align-center\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-lg-7 col-xlg-6 entry-header__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"component component-single-header\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"entry-header__misc text--subtitle text--uppercase text--small\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/category\/people-leadership\/\" class=\"entry-header__link\">People &amp; Leadership<\/a>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"entry-title-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h1 class=\"entry-title\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tThe best exit interview questions to ask outgoing employees\t\t\t\t\t<\/h1>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"entry-header__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"single-post-details container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"col\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2025-09-05T09:00:00-04:00\">September 5, 2025<\/time><\/span><span class=\"reading-time\"> min read<\/span>\n\t\t<button\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\tclass=\"social-share-button button button--icon button--secondary js-social-share-button\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-title=\"The best exit interview questions to ask outgoing employees\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-url=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/exit-interview-questions\/\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-text=\"Please read this interesting article\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__share-label\">Share<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__copy-label\" hidden>Copy Link<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__copy-tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\" hidden>Copied<\/span>\n\t\t<\/button>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/header>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-author has-dark-background-color alignfull\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"co-authors\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"entry-author-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<a class=\"entry-author\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/author\/joechurchwoods\/\">\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"40\" height=\"40\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/05\/Joe-Yard-2-crop-350x350.jpg\" class=\"entry-author__image\" alt=\"Joe Church Woods\" \/>\t\t\t\t<span class=\"entry-author__name\">Joe Church Woods<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>When an employee gives their notice, you could just wish them well and move on\u2014that&#8217;s understandable, you have many pressing matters to attend to when running a business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, that person left for a reason.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You have an opportunity to learn why they left and make adjustments that strengthen your workplace culture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The exit interview is the ideal tool for uncovering those insights. It works best when employees resign voluntarily\u2014not in the heat of a dismissal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That\u2019s because the goal of an exit interview is a mutually beneficial exchange of information, rather than assigning blame.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here we explain why you should make time for these interviews, how to plan them, and how best to conduct them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Here\u2019s what we\u2019ll cover:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><div class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-table-of-contents yoast-table-of-contents\"><ul><li><a href=\"#h-what-is-an-exit-interview-and-why-should-hr-teams-conduct-them\" data-level=\"2\">What is an exit interview and why should HR teams conduct them?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-exit-interview-best-practices\" data-level=\"2\">Exit interview best practices<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-12-insightful-exit-interview-questions-to-ask\" data-level=\"2\">12 insightful exit interview questions to ask<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-how-to-conduct-an-exit-interview\" data-level=\"2\">How to conduct an exit interview<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-the-employee-exit-interview-as-an-opportunity-for-growth\" data-level=\"2\">The employee exit interview as an opportunity for growth<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-exit-interview-faqs\" data-level=\"2\">Exit interview FAQs<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"#gate-7eb80e5b-8bd0-40e7-be54-c8adc4116b3e\">Download your free copy of \u201cThe ultimate guide to choosing HR software&#8221;<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-is-an-exit-interview-and-why-should-hr-teams-conduct-them\">What is an exit interview and why should HR teams conduct them?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>An exit interview is a semi-formal meeting with an employee who has decided to leave your company.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It features questions designed to give you feedback on their experience of working at your company.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can use that information to fine tune the way the organization treats its employees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>People are often more open once they\u2019ve resigned, so the exit interview can potentially give you\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/human-resources\/workforce-management\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">workforce management<\/a>\u00a0insights you won\u2019t hear from current employees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, outgoing employees may highlight management flaws, workload issues, or poor communication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You\u2019ll also spot important patterns if several people leave for similar reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If an employee\u2019s departure is part of a broader trend, this information can help you improve morale and reduce turnover.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It also means you can deal with problems relatively early as your corporate culture evolves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Exit interviews show you\u2019re willing to listen and learn\u2014even when someone is on their way out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is good for your reputation, marking you as an employer with a comprehensive people strategy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-exit-interview-best-practices\">Exit interview best practices<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>While having a good set of questions is fundamental, preparation for the exit interview process goes beyond that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s considered a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/offboarding-best-practices\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">good practice for offboarding<\/a>, and a thoughtful approach helps build trust while ensuring the conversation is productive for both sides.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s how to prepare:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Pre-interview exit surveys<\/strong>: a short survey sent beforehand allows the employee to reflect and provide initial thoughts. These help you refine the eventual interview questions, informing the in-person discussion.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Review the employee\u2019s history<\/strong>: look over their role, responsibilities, performance reviews, and any past feedback. This gives you useful context. Look for positives they brought to the company\u2014any opportunity to thank them helps keep the conversation constructive.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Set clear goals for the conversation<\/strong>: think carefully about what you aim to learn from the exercise. It could be insight into team dynamics, improving leadership, or refining working conditions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Choose the right person to lead the interview<\/strong>: ideally, it shouldn\u2019t be their direct manager. Select someone neutral who can listen without bias. This is typically someone from the HR team.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Create a private, relaxed setting<\/strong>: find a quiet space where the employee feels safe and comfortable speaking freely. Avoid public or open office areas, and steer clear of exterior locations where distractions or interruptions are likely.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Let them know what to expect:<\/strong> explain that the interview is voluntary and confidential, and that their feedback won\u2019t affect future references.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Stay flexible with your questions<\/strong>: use a structured guide but allow the conversation to flow. Be ready to follow up or explore new points as they arise. Take notes throughout and offer to share a summary of the discussion with the employee.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-12-insightful-exit-interview-questions-to-ask\">12 insightful exit interview questions to ask<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>OK, let\u2019s get to the most important part. What exactly should you ask at the interview?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are our top picks of questions that can help your corporate culture evolve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This list is not set in stone, and asking all of them could be an abuse of the employee\u2019s time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Select whichever questions are most relevant to your goal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-1-what-originally-attracted-you-to-this-role\">1. What originally attracted you to this role?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This question tells you what your recruitment strategy is getting right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It helps you understand which messages, benefits, or aspects of your job offers are most appealing to candidates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-2-did-the-job-match-your-expectations\">2. Did the job match your expectations?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This highlights any gaps between what was promised and what was delivered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You\u2019ll learn whether the role was oversold or misunderstood. Use this feedback to improve job ads, onboarding, or internal communication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-3-what-did-you-enjoy-most-about-your-work\">3. What did you enjoy most about your work?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You\u2019ll learn what motivates staff and which aspects of the role bring satisfaction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This insight helps you keep current employees engaged and inspired.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-4-what-influenced-your-decision-to-leave\">4. What influenced your decision to leave?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This question goes to the heart of the matter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It helps you uncover deeper issues that might need attention, such as pay, workload, team conflict, or leadership problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-5-was-there-a-specific-moment-that-prompted-it\">5. Was there a specific moment that prompted it?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A single event might have been the deciding factor. Spotting these triggers\u2014or the build-up to them\u2014can help you step in sooner and prevent avoidable resignations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-6-how-would-you-describe-the-company-culture\">6. How would you describe the company culture?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Cultural fit is one of the main reasons people stay or leave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This question reveals how your workplace feels from the inside and whether it lives up to your stated values.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-7-did-you-feel-supported-by-your-manager\">7. Did you feel supported by your manager?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Employees often rely on their manager for support, guidance, and feedback.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If weak support is a recurring theme, it may be time to review management training or workload.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-8-were-your-contributions-recognized-and-valued\">8. Were your contributions recognized and valued?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A job done well is a morale booster in itself, but formal recognition greatly magnifies the effect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If staff don\u2019t feel seen, they disengage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This question tells you whether your recognition efforts are resonating or missing the mark.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-9-did-you-have-opportunities-to-learn-and-grow\">9. Did you have opportunities to learn and grow?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Career development is a top factor in employee satisfaction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This question helps you assess whether your training and progression efforts meet expectations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-10-were-your-career-goals-discussed-with-your-manager\">10. Were your career goals discussed with your manager?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Managers are best placed to understand each employee\u2019s strengths and ambitions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This question tells you whether career conversations are happening beyond the managers\u2019 attention to day-to-day tasks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-11-would-you-recommend-this-company-to-others\">11. Would you recommend this company to others?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This gives you a quick read on employee satisfaction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s a simple way to measure your employer brand, much like a Net Promoter Score for recruitment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-12-is-there-anything-we-could-have-done-differently\">12. Is there anything we could have done differently?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Leave space for the employee to raise issues not already covered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This open-ended question often leads to honest and unexpected feedback you can\u2019t get elsewhere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"#gate-7eb80e5b-8bd0-40e7-be54-c8adc4116b3e\">Download your free copy of \u201cThe ultimate guide to choosing HR software&#8221;<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-to-conduct-an-exit-interview\">How to conduct an exit interview<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Start with a warm, calm introduction explaining the purpose of the meeting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is the time to thank the person for their time and contributions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Use a friendly tone. This is not a formal occasion, it\u2019s voluntary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, be clear that the interview will be treated as confidential and won\u2019t be released beyond HR and management.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Make it clear you\u2019re there to listen, not judge. The focus will be on learning, not blaming\u2014an approach that promotes honest feedback.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some tips:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-use-body-language-to-show-you-re-engaged\">Use body language to show you\u2019re engaged<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Nod to show you\u2019re listening<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Maintain natural eye contact<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sit in a relaxed, open position<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Open-hand gestures emphasize a non-threatening approach<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-conversational-flow\">Conversational flow<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Let the employee speak freely and avoid interrupting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Don\u2019t push for answers or guilt them into revealing more than they\u2019re comfortable sharing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Give them time to think, even if it means silent pauses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-handling-criticism\">Handling criticism<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Don\u2019t get defensive if the feedback is overly critical or tough to hear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Instead, ask follow-up questions to explore the root of their concerns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Stay curious, not combative.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-employee-exit-interview-as-an-opportunity-for-growth\">The employee exit interview as an opportunity for growth<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Every person who leaves your business can teach you something.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Beyond being a basic courtesy, exit interviews can shape your company\u2019s ongoing development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The small issues you uncover can have a big impact when addressed because the effect is multiplied across the whole workforce and over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In other words, the employee exit process strengthens your organization\u2019s long-term resilience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Trends become visible, blind spots get exposed, and you\u2019ll have data to support positive change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, isolating those trends manually and analyzing the data isn\u2019t always easy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/human-resources\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">HR software<\/a>\u00a0can be a powerful ally, helping you standardize interviews, store feedback securely, and spot patterns across teams and departments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-exit-interview-faqs\">Exit interview FAQs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-1-are-exit-interviews-mandatory\">1. Are exit interviews mandatory?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>There\u2019s no legal obligation to conduct exit interviews and you can\u2019t force employees to attend them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If someone declines, respect their decision. However, people are more likely to take part if they see that it\u2019s a fair process, handled with professionalism and care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>From your perspective, exit interviews are a good business practice that\u2019s relatively low-cost and quick to run.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The benefits often outweigh the work involved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>From the employee\u2019s perspective, it\u2019s a chance to speak openly, reflect on their experience, and make the organization better for their former colleagues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-2-what-can-you-say-in-an-exit-interview\">2. What can you say in an exit interview?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The goal is to foster an open, non-judgmental environment that focuses on understanding the employee\u2019s perspective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can promote positive dialogue with affirming phrases like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\u201cI appreciate you sharing your perspective on that.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201cThat\u2019s important feedback. We\u2019ll look into it.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201cWhat barriers did you experience that made you feel uncertain about sharing this feedback previously?\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201cThat\u2019s a significant point. Let\u2019s make sure I understand your perspective correctly.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-3-what-should-you-not-say-in-hr-exit-interview\">3. What should you not say in HR exit interview?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Avoid antagonistic responses that could make the interviewee feel uncomfortable or trigger negative emotions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Even if you disagree with their point of view, avoid saying things like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\u201cThat\u2019s just your opinion.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u00a0\u201cNo one else has had that issue.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u00a0\u201cYou should have spoken up sooner.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201cThat\u2019s not how it really happened.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Comments like these shut down dialogue and damage trust.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"single-cta\">\n\t<div class=\"single-cta__positioner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__wrapper has-dark-background-color\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"single-cta__title h3\">Subscribe to our Sage Advice Newsletter<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Get our latest business advice delivered directly to your inbox.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#gate-ab515c6e-7e90-4c2f-a67e-113872516e8b\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"single-cta__button button button--primary\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>Subscribe<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1440\" height=\"810\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1073797282-1440x810.jpg\" class=\"single-cta__image\" alt=\"Working from home with tea in hand\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1073797282-1440x810.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 33vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Your employees may be guarded about giving honest feedback, especially during the working day. But when they resign, they have nothing to lose. Exit interviews tap into this openness, giving a true picture of your company culture. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1847,"featured_media":25079,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_sage_video":false,"post_featured_image_hide":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[47],"tags":[195,284,17,166,253,272,34],"business_type":[40,41],"lilypad":[],"context":[],"industry":[411],"persona":[99,98,96,97],"imagine_tag":[465,413,233,230],"coauthors":[592],"class_list":["post-32414","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-people-leadership","tag-boss-your-business","tag-hiring","tag-hr-payroll","tag-hr-software","tag-performance","tag-productivity","tag-small-business","business_type-small-business","business_type-growing-business","industry-human-resources"],"sage_meta":{"region":"en-us","author_name":"Joe Church Woods","featured_image":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/Sage_BrandShootNC_Feb2024_HR-Professionals_2060.jpeg","imagine_tags":{"465":"HR","413":"Human Resources","233":"Medium Businesses","230":"Small business"}},"distributor_meta":false,"distributor_terms":false,"distributor_media":false,"distributor_original_site_name":"Sage Advice US","distributor_original_site_url":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog","push-errors":false,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32414","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/users\/1847"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=32414"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32414\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/media\/25079"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=32414"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=32414"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=32414"},{"taxonomy":"business_type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/business_type?post=32414"},{"taxonomy":"lilypad","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/lilypad?post=32414"},{"taxonomy":"context","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/context?post=32414"},{"taxonomy":"industry","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/industry?post=32414"},{"taxonomy":"persona","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/persona?post=32414"},{"taxonomy":"imagine_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/imagine_tag?post=32414"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=32414"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}