The CUPA-HR 2025 Higher Education Employee Retention Survey

College and University Professional Association for Human Resources. 1811 Commons Point Drive, Knoxville, TN 37932. Tel: 877-287-2474; Fax: 865-637-7674; e-mail: research@cupahr.org; Web site: http://www.cupahr.org

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Higher Education; College Faculty; Teacher Persistence; Labor Turnover; Job Applicants; Sense of Belonging; Job Satisfaction; Faculty Workload; Employment Opportunities; Racial Differences; Teleworking

The "CUPA-HR 2025 Higher Education Employee Retention Survey" (ERS) examined why higher ed employees consider leaving, which groups face greater turnover risk, and where institutions should focus to improve retention. In its third administration, the 2025 ERS provides an updated analysis of what drives non-faculty staff to seek other employment amid ongoing and substantial disruptions in higher education. Results show that nearly one in four higher ed employees report being likely to look for other employment in the coming year. Compensation continues to be the top reason employees cite for seeking other opportunities. However, aspects of job satisfaction and wellbeing, particularly a sense of belonging, feeling valued, and being engaged, are the strongest predictors of retention. In addition, confidence in leadership ethics and values leapfrogged to second place from seventh place two years prior in terms of its strength in predicting retention. Other findings show that there continues to be a substantial gap between what employees desire in terms of remote or hybrid work and what they receive. Also, although supervisors bear the brunt of overwork, they are less inclined to seek other employment, especially when supports are in place. These results provide a refined model for understanding higher ed staff retention and offer guidance for higher ed leaders as they seek to develop and direct resources to the policies, practices, and initiatives that will improve employee retention.

As Provided

2025

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