How Less Can Be More: Transitioning to a 'Doing Less with Less' Approach in Higher Education

Whether you're experiencing the pressures of your job or are a leader genuinely concerned about your team members' well-being in terms of burnout and long-term retention, this session is tailored to address your needs! Of the respondents in the EDUCAUSE IT Leadership Workforce in Higher Education, 2024, 70% report identified as having “somewhat excessive” or “very excessive” workloads. Institutions are facing a pivotal moment as they navigate the challenges of workforce burnout and the imperative to streamline operations in higher education technology leadership. The need to foster a culture of self-care while simultaneously adapting to a "doing less with less" paradigm is more pressing than ever. This session delves into the complexities of this transition, exploring the multifaceted strategies required to address burnout, streamline operations, and build flexible technology environments and roles. Drawing on real-world examples and insights, we examine the unique challenges faced by higher education institutions, particularly in the context of impending enrollment cliffs and institutional uncertainties. You’ll hear from speakers who pivoted into higher education from other industries as they share insights from teams inside and outside higher education. Together, we can navigate this transformative journey and build resilient, future-ready institutions.