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According to recent findings from the College and University Professional Association for Human Resources (CUPA-HR), a significant portion of higher education professionals, specifically 57%, are contemplating alternative job opportunities within the coming year.
The initiative, titled “CUPA-HR 2022 Higher Education Employee Retention Survey: Initial Results,” was launched in May 2022, aiming to shed light on the factors influencing staff turnover in higher education and to provide insights that institutions can use to enhance retention strategies. The data was gathered from 3,815 employees, excluding faculty, across 949 institutions and covering 15 distinct departments and functional areas.
Findings indicate that the primary motivator for employees seeking new positions is salary, followed closely by aspirations for increased remote work options, schedule flexibility, and greater job responsibilities. This reflects a notable discrepancy between employee preferences and the current offerings of colleges and universities. While 63% of employees are still working mainly or entirely on campus, a substantial 71% claimed that their tasks could predominantly be completed remotely, and 69% expressed an interest in some form of remote work arrangement.
Moreover, the survey points to an increase in working hours and additional responsibilities taken on by staff following the pandemic, which is likely contributing to higher levels of burnout. Approximately two-thirds (63%) reported that they have absorbed the tasks of colleagues who recently departed, and nearly 73% indicated that their workload has increased due to pandemic-related challenges.
In terms of employee satisfaction, the survey revealed mixed results. While benefits packages, feelings of belonging, job obligations, and relationships with supervisors were generally rated positively, dissatisfaction was prevalent in areas such as career development investments, opportunities for promotion, equitable compensation, remote work policies, and parental leave provisions.
The findings suggest that higher education institutions are facing significant challenges in talent retention. In response, CUPA-HR has outlined several strategies to help employers improve retention rates. Recommendations include salary increases where feasible, enhanced flexibility in work arrangements, and a more thoughtful approach to managing workloads and overtime expectations.
For further insights and strategies based on the survey outcomes, the complete report offers comprehensive recommendations and analysis.
Source
www.higheredjobs.com