Employee turnover remains one of the most pressing and costly challenges for organizations today. While voluntary resignations have stabilized since the peak of the “Great Resignation,” millions of employees still leave their jobs each month—and many of those exits are preventable. Exit interviews are a key tool in understanding why employees leave, what could have influenced them to stay, and how to improve the overall employee experience.
This blog highlights the most recent and relevant statistics around employee turnover and exit interviews from trusted sources. Whether you’re designing a retention strategy, benchmarking your turnover rate, or revamping your exit interview process, these insights will help you turn data into action.
1. 51% of U.S. employees are watching or actively seeking a new job
May 2025 tracking shows that over half of all U.S. workers are either open to or actively looking for new employment—marking the highest engagement risk since 2015. (Source)
2. An average of about 3.2 million employees quit their job each month so far in 2025
Approximately 3.2 to 3.4 million workers voluntarily left their jobs each month during the first four months of 2025.
Additionally, the quits rate, which represents those quits as a percentage of total employment, has hovered around 2% during this period. (Source)
3. Well‑recognized employees are 45% less likely to quit within two years
A study found that employees who receive high-quality recognition are 45% less likely to leave after two years. (Source)
4. 77% of those who quit were retainable
SHRM notes that more than 3 in 4 employees (77%) who quit could have been retained by organizations. (Source)
5. 74% leave due to inadequate pay or benefits
SHRM’s HR survey shows that 74% of HR professionals cite poor compensation as the top reason employees exit. (Source)
6. $18,591 average cost per departing employee
Gartner analysis finds that each voluntary exit costs organizations, on average, $18,591, not including lost productivity or knowledge transfer. (Source)
7. 50% of employees are actively looking for a different job
Data shows that half of employees are actively looking for a new or different job than they currently have. (Source)
8. 65% lower turnover risk among employees receiving high-quality praise
Those who receive recognition fulfilling at least four pillars of strategic recognition are 65% less likely to be job‑seeking. (Source)
9. Higher engagement levels can lead to around 42% less turnover
Teams with top quartile engagement levels have 42% less turnover than those in the bottom quartile. (Source)
10. Third‑party exit interviews yield candid, actionable insights
Using independent third-party interviewers helps protect confidentiality and elicit honest feedback from departing employees. (Source)
Beyond the Statistics
Turnover isn’t just a number—it’s a signal. Behind every resignation is a story, and exit interviews provide a rare opportunity to learn from that story. But only when done well.
The data is clear: most turnover is preventable, most exit interviews go underused, and organizations that prioritize feedback, development, and communication see better retention outcomes. Whether it’s providing clearer growth paths, or simply listening more effectively during offboarding, small changes can lead to lasting impact.
Use the insights from these statistics to not only reduce attrition—but to improve engagement, satisfaction, and long-term organizational health. Because every exit is a chance to build a better workplace for those who stay.
Get Started with Exit Interviews & Surveys
As expectations grow and the workforce becomes more dynamic, HR leaders need modern tools to stay ahead. The role of employee survey providers has never been more critical—or more exciting.
If you’re looking for a partner who offers flexibility, intelligence, and a truly people-first approach, it’s time to see what People Element can do. We’re more than a survey platform—we’re your partner in building a more connected, engaged, and resilient workforce.
Ready to level up your engagement strategy? See People Element in action with a virtual product tour.
