Burnout and Turnover Intentions Among Higher Education Professionals During COVID-19: A Mixed-Methods Analysis

• In Event: Equitable Education Systems and the Pandemic: Organizational Perspectives

Abstract

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, higher education employees rapidly transitioned to remote work. However, few studies have examined the of COVID-19 on the working conditions of higher education professionals. We employ an explanatory sequential mixed method design (multiple regression and thematic analysis) to examine the effects of job demands and resources on burnout and turnover intentions. We find that disruption related to the remote transition of work and the elimination of staff positions were statistically significant predictors of burnout, and burnout is a significant predictor of turnover intention. Our qualitative findings show that when staffing levels were changed employees had increased workloads, decreased productivity and negatively impacted personal lives. We argue that leaders should avoid staffing cuts to decrease employee turnover.

Authors

• Joseph H. Paris, West Chester University

• Jake D. Winfield, Detroit Public Schools Community District