As campuses welcome an influx of students each fall, higher education leaders face a familiar challenge: supporting the faculty, administrators, and operational staff who keep institutions running. Back-to-school brings longer hours, increased demands, and heightened pressure on already stretched campus teams. With so many distinct roles such as professors, advisors, program coordinators, operations teams, and dining staff, effectively communicating timely updates and recognition becomes a complex task for institutional leadership.
This challenge is more than inconvenient; it creates a vulnerability for institutions striving to deliver exceptional student experiences. With turnover an ongoing concern and the new academic year underway, it is time for higher education leaders to rethink how they engage, motivate, and retain their people.
Turnover, Engagement, and the Communication Gap
Employee turnover in higher education is both costly and disruptive, with constant onboarding and training reducing operational efficiency and morale. Academic calendar-based hiring for roles such as student services, campus safety, and facilities adds complexity, as institutions compete for talent and try to quickly build loyalty in a limited labor pool. For colleges in rural areas, every departure can leave critical gaps, making it harder to maintain continuity and deliver a consistent student experience.
Compounding these challenges is a persistent communication gap. Campus teams are mobile and spread across departments and locations, with many rarely at desks or checking emails between shifts. Traditional methods such as bulletin boards and end-of-day meetings often fail to reach staff with key updates about benefits, safety protocols, or recognition programs. As a result, employees can feel out of the loop, which may lead to disengagement and distrust. This issue is especially pronounced during busy periods like the start of the semester, when clear and timely information is most needed.
Mobile Tools Meet Employees Where They Are
To truly reach staff, and build and sustain community on campus, more institutions are adopting mobile-first approaches to communication and engagement. These tools allow managers to push real-time updates, recognize great work instantaneously, and enable employees to access information when and where it’s convenient for them.
Mobile recognition has seen widespread adoption in higher ed. Whether it’s a shoutout for going above and beyond or a peer-nominated award, real-time recognition can boost employee engagement and foster a sense of belonging.
Mobile access also democratizes communications. Instead of top-down announcements filtered through layers of administration, every team member gets the same information at the same time. This is especially important during fast-paced periods like orientation, campus events, times of policy change, or urgent institutional updates.
Recognition Is More Than Rewards
Recognition is a powerful driver of engagement and retention across all industries. Whether in corporate settings, healthcare, or education, acknowledging employees’ contributions through a public thank you, a personal note, or an on-the-spot kudos can have a significant impact on morale and motivation. Despite its importance, Gallup research shows that only about one in five employees feel they receive adequate recognition for their work – a figure that has not improved since 2022. Organizations with strong recognition programs consistently see better performance, greater loyalty, and lower turnover.
In higher education, the need for meaningful recognition is especially acute. Campus environments are high-pressure, with faculty and staff often juggling multiple responsibilities and long hours. Many colleges rely on annual awards or formal performance reviews, but these infrequent touchpoints can miss opportunities to boost morale and feel connected throughout the year. Regular and authentic recognition, especially during busy periods like the start of the semester, can help counter stress and fatigue, foster a sense of belonging, and set an institution apart as an employer of choice. Even a simple thank you from a department chair or campus leader can be a powerful motivator, making staff feel valued and appreciated.
Case in Point: Building Connection at Scale
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) offers a compelling example of how intentional recognition can transform employee experience across a distributed workforce. By centralizing recognition efforts and making them accessible to staff in 33 states, SNHU has fostered a culture of appreciation and belonging. Their approach, which is anchored in regular milestone celebrations, inclusive employee networks, and accessible communication, has resulted in a 94 percent employee retention rate and a 3.6 percent reduction in voluntary turnover, with 95 percent of staff actively participating in recognition activities last year. SNHU’s experience highlights how thoughtful engagement can drive loyalty and connection, even in large and geographically dispersed institutions.
Expand Communication Channels with Purpose
To truly reach and engage campus staff, institutions need to rethink not just what they say, but how and where they say it. Consider a mix of mediums:
- Mobile apps for quick and personalized updates
- SMS alerts for timely reminders
- Digital screens in staff lounges showcasing achievements
- Recognition moments at department meetings
- Channels for peer-to-peer shoutouts that build team culture
- Short-form video messages from leadership
The key is consistency without overload. Messages should be short, actionable, and timely. And when it comes to topics like benefits or wellness support, don’t assume that one channel is enough, use multiple touchpoints to reinforce the message.
Continuous Improvement Beyond the Back-to-School Rush
Ideally, efforts to engage and recognize campus staff begin before students arrive, setting a positive tone for the semester ahead. However, even after the academic year is underway, there are always opportunities to strengthen recognition and communication. Consider these steps to continually improve:
- Audit your communication channels to ensure they are reaching everyone.
- Launch or refresh your recognition program, making sure it is timely, accessible, and inclusive.
- Consider holding a few recognition events – employee appreciation week, giving thanks week, etc. to remind people about recognition tools and boost usage.
- Clarify benefits and seasonal perks and make information easy for employees to access on their phones or outside of work hours.
- Empower managers with the tools and time they need to support their teams effectively.
Consistent attention to these areas helps create a workplace where staff feel valued and informed, no matter the time of year.
While institutions often prioritize student recruitment, campus improvements, and staffing, the greatest return comes from investing in faculty and staff. These individuals are the heart of your campus community and the true ambassadors of your institution’s values. When employees feel recognized and engaged, they feel a part of the larger organizational mission. They are empowered to create exceptional experiences for students and contribute to a vibrant, supportive environment. By making recognition and engagement a central part of your culture, you build a campus where everyone feels valued and success is shared by all.
The author, Alexandra Powell, is Director of Insights at Reward Gateway | Edenred.