Data reveals: The importance of strong leadership in higher education

Leaders play a defining role in shaping the employee experience in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). Their decisions, behaviours and ability to connect with staff directly influence how employees perceive their roles, their value within the organisation and their sense of purpose. But despite the sector’s strong commitment to academic excellence, many employees report feeling undervalued and disconnected from senior leadership.

In this blog post, we will explore key findings from the report we released alongside UCEA, which sought to understand what working in higher education is really like. By examining insights drawn from over 300,000 HE employees, we’ll highlight the unique challenges and opportunities facing leadership in the sector and provide actionable strategies to improve employee engagement and organisational outcomes.

Related: Read our report What’s it really like to work in HE?

Building trust through authentic engagement

One key challenge for leadership in higher education is building and maintaining trust. Many HEI employees feel undervalued, with less than 60% reporting that their work is recognised. This sentiment, coupled with limited confidence in senior leaders, points to a real need for authentic engagement.

Authentic engagement involves leaders actively listening to their employees and acting on the insights they provide through a comprehensive post-survey action plan. HEIs often comprise diverse academic and professional communities, each with distinct needs. Effective academic leaders acknowledge this diversity and create inclusive spaces where every voice matters. By prioritising psychological safety and inclusivity, they can break down hierarchical barriers and cultivate a sense of shared purpose.

Leveraging emotional intelligence for effective leadership

Emotional intelligence is increasingly recognised as a cornerstone of successful leadership in higher education. Leaders who demonstrate high levels of empathy, self-awareness and adaptability are better equipped to navigate the complexities of university environments. For example, during challenging periods such as funding cuts or rapid policy changes, emotionally intelligent leaders can provide clarity and reassurance while maintaining employee morale.

Encouragingly, our data shows that 81% of HEI employees find their work interesting and challenging — a significantly higher percentage than in other sectors. This intrinsic motivation underscores the importance of engaging leaders who can harness their employees’ passion and drive. By creating meaningful opportunities for skill development and acknowledging individual contributions, leaders can reinforce a culture of achievement and belonging.

Read Further: 5 Data-Led Strategies to Improve Employee Morale in HE

The strategic importance of two-way dialogue

Traditional, top-down leadership models often fall short in the context of higher education. Universities are collaborative ecosystems that thrive on shared knowledge and innovation. Leaders who implement two-way dialogue not only address immediate concerns but also nurture long-term engagement.

During times of uncertainty, such as the current financial pressures facing many HEIs, employees seek clear strategies and actionable solutions. However, addressing these challenges requires more than issuing directives. Leaders must engage in ongoing conversations with their colleagues, using tools such as employee surveys to identify priorities and implement evidence-based changes.

For instance, our research involving over 300,000 HE employees reveals that while HE scores below average on overall engagement (73% compared to 77% across all sectors), it excels in areas like individual achievement and skill utilisation. Leveraging these strengths while addressing weaker areas can significantly enhance organisational outcomes.

Aligning leadership with institutional goals

Effective leadership in higher education also requires a strong alignment between institutional goals and employee wellbeing. Universities face the dual challenge of maintaining academic excellence while achieving financial sustainability. Leaders must carefully consider how their decisions impact employees, as well as the broader university community.

For example, developing a relationship-based leadership approach can help bridge the gap between operational demands and employee satisfaction. When leaders involve employees in decision-making processes, they build trust and demonstrate a commitment to shared success. This approach is particularly relevant in the HE sector, where 71% of employees believe their roles allow them to use their skills — a higher proportion than in other industries.

Learn more: Change management in higher education: Why is it so hard?

Transforming leadership for the future

As the higher education sector continues to evolve, the role of leadership becomes even more significant. Forward-thinking universities are moving away from hierarchical models in favour of collaborative, people-centred approaches. This transformation involves leveraging technology, such as intuitive survey platforms, to gather insights and respond proactively to employee needs.

Strong leadership not only addresses challenges but also creates opportunities for growth. By listening to employees and integrating their perspectives into strategic decisions, leaders can enhance organisational resilience and adaptability. This shift towards inclusive, responsive leadership is essential for attracting and retaining talent, safeguarding the student experience and ensuring long-term success.

Leadership in higher education holds immense potential to influence the culture and effectiveness of institutions. By prioritising employee listening and using data-driven insights, HEI leaders can bridge gaps in trust, engagement and performance. At its core, strong leadership is about valuing people — an approach that aligns with the unique dynamics of higher education and sets the stage for sustainable progress.

To delve into this topic further, why not check out our webinar on the complex topic of leadership in higher education.

To introduce an effective listening strategy and exceptional higher education staff surveys, get in touch with the friendly team here at People Insight. We’ll work with you to make your great institution even better.