You Spoke. We Listened. Highlights From Our Workforce Survey

This year, more than 1,300 of you shared your experiences, concerns, and hopes for the future of work in higher education through the 2025 HERC Higher Education Workforce Survey (formerly known as the HERC Job Seeker Survey). Whether you’re actively job searching or just thinking about your next step, your input has helped paint a clearer picture of what today’s workforce really needs.

Thank you for making your voice heard. This year’s survey was our most in-depth yet, with expanded questions on flexibility, community, burnout, and career growth. What we’ve learned from you is both eye-opening and inspiring—and it’s already making a difference in shaping HERC’s work and the efforts of our member institutions.

You’re Exploring Options, But Still Value Higher Ed

One major finding: most job seekers are keeping their options open.

• 51% are looking at multiple industries, including higher education
• 39% are focused specifically on careers in higher ed
• Only 10% are seeking jobs exclusively outside higher education

This is an important reminder for colleges and universities: while many of you are still interested in higher ed, you’re also exploring other fields that offer competitive pay, flexibility, and meaningful work. Institutions that want to attract and retain top talent need to clearly communicate their values, growth opportunities, and inclusive culture.

Top Challenges: Pay, Burnout, and Career Growth

While salary continues to be the top concern, other challenges are shaping how job seekers evaluate potential employers:

• 51% cited salary and compensation as their top concern
• 46% said they’re experiencing career stagnation
• 32% reported burnout or work-related stress

These findings reflect what many of you already know: competitive pay matters, but it’s not the only thing. Lack of growth and high stress levels are prompting many professionals to reevaluate where and how they want to work.

Community and Flexibility Make a Difference

One of the clearest themes in the survey was the importance of workplace community.

• 90% of respondents said having a sense of community at work is important
• Over 80% believe it directly impacts job satisfaction

When it comes to flexibility, hybrid work stood out as the most satisfying model:

• 64% of hybrid workers reported high job satisfaction
• Hybrid employees also felt a strong sense of connection, nearly on par with in-person workers

The message is clear: job seekers value flexibility, but not at the cost of feeling disconnected. A thoughtful hybrid approach can offer the best of both worlds.

Turning Insights Into Action

This survey wasn’t just about gathering data; it’s about making change. At HERC, we’re using your feedback to improve the tools, resources, and programming we offer to support your career journey. We’re also sharing these findings with our member institutions so they can better understand what candidates want and need.

Here’s what’s already underway:

• New career resources and tools to help you grow
• More programming for employers on flexibility, career development, and inclusive practices
• Continued advocacy for healthier, more supportive workplace cultures across higher education

Your feedback helps shape the future of work in higher education. Whether you’re early in your career or a seasoned professional considering your next move, your voice is powerful, and we’re grateful you chose to share it with us. Please participate in our monthly quick polls on LinkedIn (follow HERC on LinkedIn) and our annual job seeker survey (the next one will be in early 2026).

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