Exit interviews with departing employees can be a good source of information about what your organization is doing right and what could be improved. Encourage the employee to be open and honest by not being defensive or apologetic in response to criticism. Remember, you asked for honesty - do not make the individual sorry for complying with your request. Either someone in the organization or an outside consultant can conduct an exit interview. If it's someone from within, he or she should be at a senior level and be ready to devote the necessary time to deal with this task.
Consultants are, at times, able to invite a more candid response.
There are a multitude of ways to keep in touch with ex-employees. Put them on the organization's mailing list so that they'll receive company newsletters. Finally, be there to offer advice, give a reference or provide moral support.