We are excited to share highlights from the newly released Charting the Course: What the Workforce is Telling Us and What We Can Do About It, offering fresh insight into what today’s job seekers and employees want from their workplace and how institutions can respond.
This year’s survey included responses from over 1,300 individuals and featured new questions on flexibility, well-being, and workplace community. The data reveals a clear message: culture, growth, and connection matter just as much as compensation.
Candidates Are Keeping Higher Ed on Their Radar
While 51% of respondents are exploring jobs across multiple industries, 39% are still focused on careers in higher education. Only 10% are looking exclusively outside of higher education.
Working in higher ed remains a top option, but institutions must compete with other sectors and clearly communicate their value.
What Today’s Workforce Wants
The top concerns cited by respondents include:
- Salary and compensation (51%)
- Career stagnation (46%)
- Burnout and stress (32%)
Meanwhile, a strong workplace community continues to be a key driver of satisfaction:
- 90% say community at work is important
- Hybrid workers report the highest satisfaction (64%) and strong connection scores (52%)
Turning Data Into Action
We’ll use the survey findings to shape future programming and provide our member institutions with actionable strategies to enhance recruitment and retention.
HERC members can download the report here.
Let’s continue working together to build workplaces where people want to stay—and where they can thrive.