Orientation: The retirement age of most of the academics currently in the workforce is approaching fast. To understand factors that would influence younger academics to leave the profession is becoming more important in order for institutions to avoid a knowledge gap and ensure information and skill transfer.

Research purpose: The purpose of the study was to investigate factors influencing the intention to leave younger employees in an academic institution. The objective was to explore factors that would result in younger employees leaving the institution.

Motivation for study: It is important to understand how younger employees experience the academic world in order to attract, develop and retain them within academia as employees.

Research design, approach and method: Purposive sampling was utilised, which provided the researcher the opportunity to gain further understanding on participants whilst exploring their experiences. The participants were under the age of 35 years, either in possession of a master’s degree or in the process of obtaining a master’s degree. A thematic analysis was conducted after 17 semi-structured interviews were completed and transcribed.

Main findings: The study revealed that employment practices are the leading reason for the intention to leave of younger academics followed by job satisfaction. Further reasons why employees considered leaving the institution were work engagement and well-being. These findings can assist in developing effective methods of attracting, managing, engaging and retaining these younger employees in the academic institution.

Practical/managerial implications: The results of this study provide insights into human resource management practices to better manage and design methods to reduce younger academics’ intention to leave the institution.

Contribution/value-add: Thoroughly exploring factors that can influence younger academics’ intention of leaving the profession, meaningful methods to encourage them to stay in these academic institutions could be designed.

Keywords: Academics; human resource management; younger employees; intention to stay; intention to leave.

Introduction

The central focus of the study is centred on younger employees in an academic institution and their intention to leave. The study focused on employees who are employed as academics, younger than 35 years of age and in possession of a Master’s degree or pursing one. Thus it is focusing on exploring reasons that would lead to these employees leaving the academic institution. It is necessary for institutions to retain younger academic employees as the current academic workforce is close to retirement, and knowledge retention is essential for institutional success (Powell, 2010). Younger academics can be seen as the future of academia; it is important to study to retain them in academia as a source of innovation and knowledge retention. The study went further to explore factors that influence these employees to stay within the institution.

Research purpose and objectives

The main purpose of this study was to investigate the factors that influence the intention to leave younger employees within an academic institution. The study also focuses on which factors would influence these employees to seek alternative employment.

Literature review

Academics, in general, play a major role in institutions to be able to thrive in the endless changing world of work. Academic institutions are faced with multiple challenges. One of the major challenges is competition for employees by other sectors (Higher Education South Africa, 2014; Lesenyeho, Barkhuizen, & Schutte, 2018). In order for institutions to deliver quality results and to achieve their mandate, the retention of academics is crucial (Gunter & Raghuram, 2018; Pienaar & Bester, 2008). The importance of reducing and managing the intention to leave of academics is now more important than ever before. Intention to leave is defined as the employees’ voluntary decision to leave their current employment by seeking alternative employment (Nadiri & Tanova, 2010).

These intentions need to be managed as the workforce is ageing and numbers in the student population are increasing (Department of Higher Education, 2016; Higher Education South Africa, 2009). Younger academics fulfil an imperative role in ensuring higher education institutions have the capacity to move forward. The older generation of employees is more experienced, highly qualified and generally seen as more productive and having vast knowledge to offer institutions in higher education (Badat, 2010).

Institutions need to ensure sufficient time and opportunity for more experienced employees to transfer knowledge to younger academic staff. The challenge lies in younger academic staff being offered better rewards by other sectors, which then encourage them to act on their intention to leave and therefore increase high turnover rates (Dube & Ngulube, 2013). The risk of loose quality in higher education institutions increases if methods to retain employees are not improved (Makondo, 2014). The exchange of knowledge between younger and more experienced groups in academia is important. Similar to other sectors, the academic world globally is becoming more complex; this creates an increasing demand for highly competent employees in this environment (Council on Higher Education [CHE], 2017; Nwadiani & Akpotu, 2002). The authors are of the view that the majority of previous studies have focused on retaining senior academic staff whilst a limited number of studies focused on young academics. More studies that research these younger academics are therefore necessary to understand them and their antecedents in the academic sphere more comprehensively.

Attracting, managing and retaining diverse employees are challenging as they are influenced by various factors such as remuneration, work–life balance, engagement, autonomy and other employment-related benefits (Samuel & Chipunza, 2013). Koen (2003) argues that limited financial benefits are the leading reason institutions cannot adequately retain younger academic employees (CHE, 2017). However, this is not the only factor that influences young academics’ intention to leave the academic profession. Challenges such as large classes, variety of needs of the diverse student population, underprepared student cohorts, growing regulation of quality assurance adding to the administrative load as well as a publish or perish culture increase the burden academics experience (Cameron & Woods, 2016). Some of the factors seen to be influencing younger academic employees to leave are discussed below:

Factors such as expectation could influence employees’ intention to leave. New recruits into the world of academics have certain expectations, and if these expectations are not met, it might influence them to leave (Islam & Alam, 2014). Moreover, personal factors such as well-being, family situation and social conditions could also influence employees’ intention to leave (Rahman, Naqvi, & Ramay, 2008). Moloantoa and Darasamy (2017) raise a concern that academic staff might exit the academic environment because of dissatisfaction with work conditions, workload, benefits and remuneration. Thus, job satisfaction is viewed as an important predictor of intention to leave as employees evaluate all aspects of their jobs and if they are not satisfied could increase the likelihood of leaving their jobs. (Amah, 2009; Sypniewska, 2013).

Young academic employees are driven by a sense of achievement, which by recognition of their efforts, could decrease their intention to leave (Chew, 2004; Kwiek, 2017). Work environments that are flexible in their recognition practices and reward structures are more likely to retain academic staff (Ng’ethe, Iravo, & Namusonge, 2012a). The role of academic leaders is, therefore, to create environments that highlight efforts and support from their managers through recognition, rewards, flexibility and regular feedback (Michael, 2008; Ng’ethe, Iravo, M. E., & Namusonge, 2012b; Sayers, 2007; Szromek & Wolniak, 2020).

In general, being included in the decision-making process, doing meaningful work, constant feedback and communication is motivating factor for younger employees (Aruna & Anitha, 2015; Sissons & Jones, 2012). These employees take their development seriously. Therefore, a clear career plan is essential to guide them in achieving their goals. Management needs to offer guidance and support to these younger employees (Kim & Yang, 2013).

Furthermore, young academic employees are motivated by factors, such as opportunities for development and promotion to stay in the academic environment (Mabaso & Dlamini, 2018; Netswera, Rankhumise, & Mavundla, 2005). Lesenyeho et al. (2018) found that career development and advancement, as well as opportunities to contribute, attract early career academics. Although academic institutions need to equip these employees with the necessary skills to perform their jobs (Mapesela & Strydom, 2004; Matongolo, Kasekende, & Mafabi, 2018), younger academic employees also have the responsibility to ensure that they are capable of achieving success in their roles. Employees with low self-efficacy are generally seen as having a higher intent to leave (Peterson, 2009).

Dedicated employees with low levels of intent to leave seem to be people who have the ability to perform in their roles. Therefore, it is imperative that methods are developed to train and retain these employees (Simons & Buitendach, 2013). Professional development in higher education requires a variety of knowledge and expertise (Cameron & Woods, 2016).

Even though the development of younger academic employees is important, some challenges occur. They experience pressure to complete post-graduate studies at different levels of their careers to gain promotion. The burden of administrative processes on academics, in general, is seen as a factor that causes a loss of autonomy in their roles (Cameron & Woods, 2016; Kogan & Teichler, 2007). Factors such as external funding and integrating online learning are nowadays considered part of the academic profile (Clarke, Hyde, & Drennan, 2013).

Academic job roles are no longer limited to teaching, research and community involvement.

Even though the above-mentioned factors add to the challenges experienced by the younger academics, institutions have to ensure that these employees are provided sufficient training and development to ensure that they are able to perform in their roles (Chew, 2004). Öldalen, Brommesson, Erlingsson, Schaffer and Fogelgren (2018) argued for the professionalisation of teaching in higher education. These researchers found that academics with less than three years of experience rated pedagogical training very useful.

The sustainability of academic institutions rests on preparing adequate talent for the future. The South African government has developed the New Generation of Academics Programme (nGAP) to address the possible challenges that might arise in terms of a shortage of skills in academia (Department of Higher Education and Training, 2015). The programme outlines what is expected of the incumbent as well as the responsibilities of the new academic. It also refers to the university in which the role will be performed. The programme is designed to gradually develop the new academic through activities such as teaching and research and related aspects. The new employees will be provided with an experienced mentor to ensure that the programme is completed successfully. The researchers view the programme as a proactive move by the government to make academia more attractive to younger employees. Especially as there is competition from other sectors for some of these potential employees who qualify to work in the academic environment. Such a programme is important but can become obsolete if factors that influence younger academics are not explored and managed in time.

Henceforth, this study focuses on factors that influence younger academic employees to leave their current jobs. There is limited research on the phenomenon, as literature focuses mostly on academic employees, in general, or support staff. However, few studies concentrate on younger academic employees. The study takes an exploratory view to examine these factors, as some new factors might become apparent through the research. It is important to discover these factors as younger academic employees are important to the existence of academic institutions and the future of education in the country.

Research design

Research approach

The research is qualitative, as this method of research entails exploring and understanding the meaning behind the experiences of participants (Bryman, 2016; Silverman & Marvasti, 2008). A qualitative method enables the researcher to describe, explain and unpack experiences of participants (Leavy, 2014), thus allowing the researcher to examine new concepts or thoughts that might arise (O’Reilly & Kiyimba, 2015). A phenomenological approach was utilised in the research to allow the researcher to gain a better understanding of the participants’ experiences from an objective perspective (Starks & Trinidad, 2007). Phenomenology is critical in assisting the participants to describe their experiences (Grbich, 2013). To better understand the meaning ascribed to these experiences, semi-structured interviews were used to aid participants to share their experiences with the researcher.

Research participants and sampling methods

Purposive sampling was utilised to identify potential participants for the research. Purposive sampling is done with a specific objective in mind and is therefore particulary successful (Palys, 2008). Purposive sampling is done with specific characteristics of participants as qualifying criteria because of the nature of inquiry of the research (Etikan, Musa, & Alkassim, 2016). Purposive sampling is essential in the study as it allowed the researchers to meet the main purpose of the study and allowed for variety within the sample to ensure that participants met the inclusion criteria for the research (Bryman & Bell, 2017).

A target population of (n = 12) participants was originally determined by the researchers. However, a total number of (n = 17) participants were interviewed because of the availability of employees that were willing to participate in the research. The researchers deemed it ethical not to exclude willing participants even though data saturation was met.

Participants were characterised as follows: They were younger than 35 years, in a lecturing or junior lecturing position, and either in possession of a master’s degree or in the process of obtaining a master’s degree. The participants included both female and male employees from various campuses, faculties and schools to gain in-depth knowledge about the intention to leave of younger academics at the institution.

Permission to contact participants was granted by the institution. Formal emails were sent to recruit participants as interested participants could respond. Firstly, consent was obtained from participants to continue with the research. Thereafter interviews were set up with participants. The researchers could draw specific information about the phenomenon being investigated as the participants were well informed about the topic of interest and, therefore, shared knowledge and experience regarding the topic under investigation with the researchers. The ethical process required only interviewing participants willing to participate in the research.

Research procedure

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 17 participants across the institution. Audio recordings of the semi-structured interviews were made in aid of transcription and coding. All recordings were stored electronically on a password-encrypted device. Participants were allowed to raise any questions or concerns through the research leader, and all matters were addressed. Ethical conduct was retained throughout the process.

Data collection

Potential participants were identified through open-source platforms. Recruitment took place through emails inviting them to participate in the research project. To maintain anonymity throughout the research, emails were sent to each participant individually. Participants consented to be audio recorded whilst being interviewed.

The data were protected by ensuring the encryption of devices and documents with passwords. All participants were ensured of confidentiality, anonymity and privacy throughout the process and in future publication of the research.

Semi-structured interviews were conducted by asking specific questions to guide the interview process whilst allowing the participants a degree of freedom to express points of interest (Hesse-Biber, 2017). The process allows participants to comment on aspects that the researchers might not have considered, thereby providing additional information on the research topic. The following interview questions were utilised:

Data analysis

Information gained through the audio-recorded interviews was transcribed. These transcriptions enabled the researchers to code the data. A thematic analysis approach was conducted to allow the researchers to identify, group, analyse and report on findings (Boyatzis, 1998). The thematic analysis involves the required familirisation with the collected data, from which the data could be assigned descriptive codes, to identify recurring themes. The themes were then reviewed and finalised (Clarke, Braun, & Hayfield, 2015). The thematic process presented an opportunity for the researcher to explore and understand the experiences of the participants (Braun & Clarke, 2006). The interview questions segmented the coding process and emphasised the intention of the study. Coding can be seen as the process of discovering meaning in specific texts (Hesse-Biber, 2017). The first segment focused on the answers derived from the interview question, What factors would influence you to stay in your current job? The second segment focused on answers derived from the interview question, What factors would influence you to leave, or seek alternative employment? The first level of coding for the first question resulted in 81 ungrouped codes and the second level coding resulted in 18 unique codes. The first level of coding for the second question resulted in 71 ungrouped codes, and the second level of coding resulted in 16 unique codes.

Ethical considerations

The researchers obtained ethical clearance to conduct the research from the Research Ethics Committee of the university. Participants provided informed consent to be interviewed and audio recorded. Audio recordings are stored on an electronic device that is password encrypted. The primary researcher is the only person who has knowledge of this password. All participants were informed that participation is voluntary and that they could withdraw from the research at any point in time, without any consequences to them. Moreover, participants were made aware of the intended purpose of the research and how information obtained will be utilised. Information was shared with participants with regard to the safe keeping of their information. Participants were assured that all information is treated as confidential and that they will not be identified in any material that will be published.

Results

The thematic analysis of the data obtains through the 17 semi-structured interviews, provided the following findings. Figure 1 below displays the coded factors that would influence younger academic employees to stay with the institution:

Table 1 represents the description of the coded factors, as indicated in Figure 1, influencing younger academic employees to stay in the institution.

The research aimed to investigate the factors that would influence younger academic employees to leave the institution.

Figure 2 below represents the coded factors that would influence or are influencing younger academic employees to leave the institution:

Table 2 represents the description of the coded factors that would influence younger academic employees to stay in the institution, as indicated in Figure 2.

With the focus of the study being the intention to leave of younger academic employees, the following, as indicated in Figure 3, was found. Figure 3 below represents the population of the 17 interviewed research participants. Nine (52%) employees intend to stay in the institution. It was found that eight (47%) participants intend to leave the institution. Three (37.5%) of these employees wish to complete their studies before they leave the institution for another sector. Whilst another three (37.5%) of these employees expressed clear intentions to leave the institution. The remaining two (25%) of these eight employees wish to complete their studies before they leave for another institution.

Summary of major findings

The findings of the study indicate that younger academic employees’ intent to leave the institution for various reasons. These reasons include the employment practices that reflect how employees are treated within the institution. Younger academic employees also highlighted the environment as one of the factors that would influence them to leave as the work environment is seen not to be enabling them enough. Lack of support from managers is an influencing factor for some of the employees who intend to leave. However, in contrast to the above-mentioned reasons employees also indicated that they would stay in the institution because of the environment being ‘friendly’; other reasons to stay include job satisfaction, rewards and generally being engaged in their work.

Discussion

The objective of the study was to explore factors influencing the intention of younger academic employees in the institution. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to investigate these factors, followed by a thematic analysis of the information collected to discover the meanings associated with these factors. Two main segments of the research were analysed, namely factors that would influence younger academic employees to stay in the institution and factors that would influence younger academic employees to leave the institution.

Intention to stay

Environment

Based on the findings on intention to stay of the participants, the environment is indicated as the most important reason why these young employees would stay in the academic institution. The environment, for the purpose of this article, is seen as the environment in which employees perform their work and includes factors such as flexibility and an enabling environment, for example, ‘Create an environment in which you can follow your dream yourself’ and a general description of the work environment by employees. Another reason associated with the environment was openness, as employees value such an environment. Employees generally seek an academic environment that is able to offer them flexible work arrangements, in which they can pursue their goals, where they can have privacy and working conditions, which enable employees to participate in the decision-making process (Beigi, Shirmohammadi, & Stewart, 2018; Wood & Wall, 2007).

Job satisfaction

Job satisfaction was found to be the second leading reason for younger academic staff to stay in the institution. In this article, job satisfaction is viewed as the employees’ attitude towards their jobs. The study revealed reasons, such as enjoying being in an academic environment and employees loving their jobs, as job satisfaction factors, for example, ‘I am comfortable with the institution and I would prefer not to leave’. Another factor that can be associated with job satisfaction is job security, as employees feel secure about their jobs.

Ssesanga and Garret (2005) indicate that age has a positive correlation with job satisfaction of employees in the teaching fraternity, with older employees being generally satisfied with their salaries, increasing their levels of job satisfaction (Rhodes, 1983; Tulen & Eyupoglu, 2012).

Rewards

Participants indicated that another reason affecting their decision to stay was the rewards they receive from the institution, for instance, some indicated salary and others mentioned that they appreciate study benefits offered at the institution, for example, ‘Your school should also invest in you’. This indicates satisfaction with both intrinsic and extrinsic rewards offered by the institution as a measure that can be utilised to retain employees (Fallon, 2009; Szromek & Wolniak, 2020). Of importance is that the rewards offered by the institution are significant to these employees as it aids them in their development as well as allowing both the employer and employee to meet their contractual obligations. Despite these younger employees being the lowest paid, they nonetheless indicate satisfaction with and involvement in their work as an important factor.

Work engagement

Work engagement is characterised by the employees’ involvement in their work. Some employees demonstrated high levels of involvement through their willingness to impart knowledge to students and to participate in the community in which they live, for example, ‘Another thing that will make me stay is the research’; ‘I have people that actually care about me and that I care for’.

Recognition, growth and support

The findings of the research reveal that employees require their efforts to be recognised. This demonstrates that the institution needs to value these employees for them to stay, for example, ‘Meaning people trusting me with really very difficult responsibility’. This can be linked to the rewards and support received from the institution, as there are different ways in which employees can be recognised, for example, intrinsic and extrinsic rewards, support from management and support from colleagues (Nienaber & Bussin, 2011). Jawabri (2017) found that low recognition and rewards for work done have a negative influence on job satisfaction of academic staff. Stemming from the findings are factors of growth and support that would keep employees in the institution ‘promotion and support for academic growth’, ‘as long as there is support from the institution’. Growth was seen as the employees’ aspiration to grow in their jobs and careers beyond the institution, with employees mentioning prospects such as promotion and the need to advance in research, where support was seen to be received from managers and the institution (Rothmann & Jordaan, 2006; Turk, 2016).

However, the findings indicate that opportunities need to be available for these employees to grow, suggesting that opportunities presented by the institution can assist employees that are self-effacing to develop.

Social and family dynamics

Another consideration for employees to stay was the role of social and family dynamics. Reasons provided included personal factors such as family and the social environment in which employees find themselves, for example, ‘Perhaps if there was some entertainment for us young people’.

Intention to leave

The main objective of the study was to investigate factors that would influence employees to leave the institution. The findings of the study are that 47% of the research sample intends to leave the institution.

Employment practices

There are various reasons for young employees intending to leave of which the leading reason being employment practices. For the purpose of the research, it is seen as everyday employment issues that employees experience because of how they are treated and how it affects them, for example, ‘A person who has 10 years more than you is going to be treated differently’. Employees’ general perceptions included the notion that they are treated differently to older colleagues. In some instances, a perception that employees are treated differently based on their gender influences their decision to leave, for example, ‘Women never get promoted here’. Lack of respect from other colleagues was also seen as a determining factor. This is associated with the environment in which employees work, for example, ‘You are often seen as incompetent’. Research indicates that dissatisfaction with various factors of employment increases turnover intention (Johari, Yahya, & Ahmad, 2012).

Environment

The work environment can be seen as a place in which employees perform their work and includes factors such as flexibility, enabling environment and a general description of the work setting by employees, for example, ‘Changes in our working conditions, you know that decisions are made and we just have to comply whether we want to or not’. Participants indicated an environment that is not sociable and culture that is not positive. They indicated the need for a healthier environment enabling growth as some of the environmental factors contributing to their intention to leave (Alzayed & Murshid, 2017; Ssesanga & Garret, 2005).

Support

Employees are influenced by the perceived lack of support from their managers and the institution (Theron, Barkhuizen, & Du Plessis, 2014). To corroborate this statement, participants cited a lack of funding for junior academics and increased administrative work resulting in limited time for their studies to be completed, for example, ‘It’s like you are running a sole race in academia’. Others felt that their well-being is not considered. This indicates an increased workload that employees cannot manage. As a result of an increased workload, employees feel that their career progress is slow as they fear that their careers will stagnate, for example, ‘When you are young here at the university, you are like slave worker’, whilst others are motivated to leave to increase career prospects (Bezuidenhout, 2015; Pienaar & Bester, 2006).

Resources

Resources are essential to ensure that employees carry out tasks that are required of them. Issues such as the quality of technology utilised, lack of equipment and office space when employees are on-boarded in the institution have influenced these employees’ decisions to leave. Employees, for example, stated, ‘You cannot do learning with the students because the technology is letting you down’. Beyond this, employees are seeking better opportunities outside the institution (Chen & Hsieh, 2006; Szromek & Wolniak, 2020). Some indicated that they would complete their studies first and then leave to go to other institutions, whilst other employees wish to complete their studies and then leave for other sectors.

Growth

Employees highlighted the lack of growth as another factor that would motivate them to leave, as they view being employed at one workplace for a long period as a lack of growth, for example, ‘The main thing generally being stagnating’. Junior lecturers were found to be less satisfied with opportunities, feedback and job enrichment (Jawabri, 2017). Career progress is another factor that would influence these employees to leave, as they do not want to fall behind in their respective fields (Lawton & Chernyshenko, 2008). This can be linked to employees seeking better opportunities outside the institution, for example, ‘If there are opportunities out there, even if it means having to study further elsewhere’. Some employees’ intention to leave is influenced by their expectations and their managements’ expectations of them being misaligned (Noor, 2011). Other employees are of the view that this is simply not what they expected or signed up for, as the job is completely different to what was advertised, for example, ‘I just feel that the job that is advertised is not actually the one’.

Rewards and recognition

Rewards received by the participants also contributed to their intention to leave as they feel that their needs not being met. Some seek flexible financial support and others generally seek better pay (Grobler, Warnich, Carrell, Elbert, & Hatfield, 2011). Employees, for instance, stated, ‘Moneywise, I wish to go any time’. The lack of recognition of these employees resulted in them feeling undervalued and viewing themselves as only being important when management requires them to perform specific tasks (Theron et al., 2014). Employees stated the following about recognition:

Another reason that stood out is the geographical location in which some employees were situated that was seen as influencing the intention to leave, as employees longed for a more serviceable town. It should, however, be stated that these employees were mostly satisfied with their jobs. Employees generally complained about basic services such as medical care, the schooling environment for their dependents and a lack of social activities for younger employees progressively affecting their social lives and family dynamics increasing their intention to leave, ‘So it’s more about the city itself, it’s not about the job’.

Limitations

The study presented a few limitations. The institution consists of three different campuses in different locations; this in itself means that the experiences shared by participants are subjective to their respective campus. The effect of this is that there is limited consensus on practices described by employees, as practices and experiences are campus specific. Another limitation of the study is that a population of n = 17 was interviewed, thus not representing the views of the majority of the younger academic staff profile.

With the study being limited to a one age group, it was challenging for the authors to source supporting literature on younger academic staff. Some employees might have experienced a bit of discomfort being audio recorded by the researcher, even though they had initially consented to this. The principal researcher, who is an academic staff member of the institution, belongs to ßthe category of participants being researched. This might have limited participants in openly taking part. Participants were made aware of the researcher’s position. However, objectivity was maintained throughout the process, as the researcher was vigilant to uphold ethical conduct.

Qualitative research limitations for this specific study are that the majority sample of the study population is not represented. Even though the purpose was to obtain rich data if makes it difficult to generalise the findings of the study.

The data analysed is open to subjectivity by the researcher, as it is not measured against a specific item (Creswell, 1994; Mohajan, 2018).

Recommendations and managerial implications

Based on the findings of the research, 47% of the participants indicated an intention to leave the instution. It is therefore recommended that the institution pay more attention to younger academic employees. The institution can firstly conduct campus-focused research to address issues that can be resolved immediately in the institutional framework.

Management has the responsibility to manage daily activities, such as the perceived lack of respect from other employees and how younger academic employees are treated. Proactive approaches and policies such as research funding and strategic administrative support can be offered and implemented to reduce the workload of these individuals. Reduced workloads for employees will increase their well-being whilst providing resources for employees to perform their tasks will enable them to grow in their roles and respective fields. Employees are generally seeking better opportunities. The institution must create opportunities for the employees, such as consulting work outside the institution, exposure to networking with individuals outside the academic environment for learning and growth purposes and opportunities for interdisciplinary work with colleagues in the institution.

An environment fostering growth is necessary to avoid redundancy as junior employees seek growth and new challenges. A review of growth needs should therefore be conducted timeously to align expectations of both the employee and the institution. Younger academic employees value various forms of recognition – not just financial recognition but also recognition in the sense that their contributions are appreciated and acknowledged by the institution, being allowed to participate in decision-making regarding matters that affect their work and being involved in tasks that are meaningful to them. The recognition of employees includes rewards, as some employees seek better pay and added benefits. A flexible reward system, therefore, needs to be established to accommodate employees’ needs. The institution needs to conduct further research on generational reward differences and preferences. This will create a better benchmarking system to ensure that employees can be retained.

Employees’ needs differ – some younger employees are in the process of establishing their families, provisional employment practices should be considered to accommodate such varying needs.

Employees’ engagement levels need to be maintained for them to stay in the institution, as some employees would prefer to leave for another institution.

This indicates that the issue is not with the job but rather with the institution. It is further recommended that the institution engages with local municipalities on how to improve basic services such as medical care, basic education, water and electricity, as well as the management of environmental and social issues and the improvement of community facilities to cater for younger employees, in general.

Trustworthiness and credibility

Credibility is emphasised in the study. Credibility refers to the factual representation of perspectives and data of participants by the researcher (Polit & Beck, 2012). The following steps ensured trustworthiness and credibility of the study:

Conclusion

The objective of the study was to explore factors that would influence younger academic employees to leave the institution. The study revealed various reasons that could result in employees leaving. These include employment practices, where management is seen as lacking integrity, and white male superiority is dominant, in an environment in which there is a general lack of respect for young academic employees, inadequate support for these academics to complete their studies, which perpetuates a culture of disregard for employee contributions, a lack of recognition of employees’ efforts and well-being, increased workloads, lack of resources to perform optimally and misaligned expectations and the geographical location of the campuses. The need for growth, and better rewards, creates a desire for better opportunities with other institutions and in other sectors. With 47% of the participants stating that they intend to leave the institution, management and leaders have a lot to consider regarding ways to reduce the intention to leave of these employees. It is important to note that 25% of the participants intend to leave for other institutions. Influences on younger academic employees to stay are an enabling environment, job satisfaction, rewards, work engagement, recognition, growth, support and opportunities that these employees receive. It is therefore imperative that the environment in which these employees work is flexible, not only in terms of working hours but also in terms of recognition of these employees in various approaches that can meet their needs. These employees require support to stay engaged and satisfied with their jobs. Management needs to create opportunities that encourage the growth of these employees to reduce their intention to leave … Flexible programmes, such as the nGAP, could be developed to assist employees in reaching their goals and achieving success, which in turn will reduce the intention to leave of younger academics. Younger academics are essential for the future sustainability of institutions as they will be leaders of these institutions. Retaining them not only reduces recruitment costs but also increases knowledge retention and critical skills development of these employees during their tenure. It is essential to retain these employees as they can keep updated with modern trends and develop new skills necessary for success in current times and the near future. Institutions can preserve the quality of education by ensuring that the needs of these employees are met in the dynamic changing environment and reap such benefits of employee retention.

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to acknowledge all the research participants. Research participants remain anonymous for confidentiality and privacy reasons.

T.D.C. contributed as the primary researcher in the research by conceptualising the project, methodology, analysis, investigation, writing up original draft, visualisation and project administration.

E.B. contributed as the supervisor in this research by ensuring review and editing, project adminsistration, conceptualisation and visualisation of the project.

This research project received no funding from any public, private and non-profit organisations.

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author, [T.D.C.], upon reasonable request.

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any affiliated agency of the authors.

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Original Research

Factors influencing intention to leave of younger employees in an academic institution

Thapelo D. Chaacha, Elrie Botha

Abstract

Introduction

Research purpose and objectives

Literature review

Research design

Research approach

Research participants and sampling methods

Research procedure

Data collection

Data analysis

Ethical considerations

Results

Summary of major findings

Discussion

Intention to stay

Environment

Job satisfaction

Rewards

Work engagement

Recognition, growth and support

Social and family dynamics

Intention to leave

Employment practices

Environment

Support

Resources

Growth

Rewards and recognition

Limitations

Recommendations and managerial implications

Trustworthiness and credibility

Conclusion

Acknowledgements

Competing interests

Author’s contributions

Funding information

Data availability

Disclaimer

References