The great resignation in higher education: An occupational health approach to understanding intentions-to-quit for faculty in higher education

ABSTRACT

The increase of resignations in education has continued to trend upwards, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The present study's aim was to develop a comprehensive investigation of key predictors and motivations for leaving academia. The key factors associated with intent-to-quit were low perceived organizational support, high exhaustion, and low compassion satisfaction. Additionally, high rates of depression and anxiety were worse for faculty intending to leave academia. To improve retention, it is recommended that higher education institutions commit to increase support to faculty and to improve overall working conditions, in order to advert the predicted impending Great Resignation within academia.