The CUPA-HR 2022 Higher Education Employee Retention Survey: Initial Results

ABSTRACT

The CUPA-HR Higher Education Employee Retention Survey was piloted in May 2022. The survey was created to better understand the segment of the higher ed workforce that is at risk for leaving their current jobs, why these employees are considering leaving, and what higher ed institutions can implement to increase retention and improve the higher ed workplace. The survey was targeted to all higher ed employees who are not faculty -- administrators, professionals, and non-exempt staff. There were 3,815 respondents from 949 institutions. Findings from the survey included 1) more than half of higher ed employees are at least somewhat likely to look for other employment in the next year, mostly because they desire a pay increase, 2) higher ed institutions are not providing the remote work opportunities and flexibility that employees want, 3) employees are working longer hours and taking on more responsibilities since the COVID-19 pandemic started, 4) employees are dissatisfied with opportunities for career development and advancement, recognition for their work, and parental leave and dependent care policies. Recommendations for increasing retention include remedying these areas of dissatisfaction wherever possible.