Council to receive annual exit‑survey reports after city reports 144 responses covering 1,145 separations

The Finance & Personnel Committee reviewed a Department of Employee Relations report summarizing exit‑survey responses for separations tracked between Aug. 15, 2024, and Dec. 31, 2025. Director Jackie Carter described the methodology and main findings.

Carter said there were 1,145 HR actions that qualified as separations during the period and 144 completed surveys — roughly a 13% response rate. Of those respondents, 118 left city employment entirely and 24 transferred to another department. Carter stressed the data reflect only respondents and noted a change in the electronic issuance method that began in mid‑2024.

Survey responses identified the top reasons for leaving as a better work environment and higher salary, with work‑life balance and opportunities for advancement also cited. Carter said the department is exploring stay surveys (to capture employee sentiment before separation) and recommended adding “other” narrative options to capture more detail. She also said demographic cross‑walks are possible because the form collects employee IDs and HR can match demographic fields, and she reported gender split among respondents (78 female, 66 male).

Alderpersons requested department‑level breakouts where anonymity allows, narrative free‑text capture, and consultation with academic survey experts; DER said it has engaged Gallagher previously and is considering stay‑survey pilots. The committee placed the communication on file and asked DER to provide follow‑up data where feasible.