From Lecture Halls to HR: Addressing Employee Turnover & I-9 Compliance in Academia
Educator Exodus: The High Turnover Challenge in Higher Education
The higher education sector is experiencing notable shifts in workforce dynamics, with employee turnover presenting significant challenges. In the 2023-24 academic year, overall turnover for faculty and staff combined was 14%, higher than pre-pandemic rates of approximately 12%. Part-time non-exempt staff faced the highest turnover at 22%, while tenure-track faculty experienced the lowest at 7%. With faculty retirements and administrative vacancies on the rise, institutions must continuously hire and onboard new employees— making compliance a growing concern.
This fluctuation not only disrupts academic continuity but also complicates compliance efforts, particularly regarding the accurate completion and management of Form I-9, which is essential for verifying employment eligibility.
The Lesson on Turnover: Understanding Why Faculty & Staff Are Leaving
Several factors contribute to the turnover rates within higher education institutions:
- Increased Retirement Rates: Approximately 30% of provosts report higher-than-usual retirement rates among faculty, leading to a loss of experienced educators and administrators.
- Job Dissatisfaction: Over 50% of higher education employees are somewhat likely, likely, or very likely to be job searching within the next 12 months, indicating significant dissatisfaction within the workforce.
- Leadership Vacancies: The role of a college president has become increasingly undesirable, with several resignations from esteemed universities leading to recruitment challenges and potential instability.
These factors necessitate robust strategies to manage turnover effectively while ensuring compliance with employment verification requirements.
The I-9 Compliance Manual for Universities
- Timely Completion of Form I-9
Ensure that Section 1 of Form I-9 is completed by the employee no later than their first day of employment and that the employer finalizes Section 2 within three business days. Implementing a standardized onboarding process can facilitate adherence to these timelines. - Regular Training for HR Personnel
Provide ongoing training sessions for HR staff to stay updated on the latest I-9 regulations and procedures. This is particularly crucial in high-turnover environments to maintain consistency and compliance. - Conduct Internal Audits
Regularly auditing I-9 forms can help identify and rectify errors proactively, reducing the risk of non-compliance during external inspections. - Utilize E-Verify
Enrolling in E-Verify allows institutions to confirm the employment eligibility of new hires electronically, adding an extra layer of verification to the I-9 process. - Implement Digital Solutions
Leveraging digital tools for I-9 management can streamline the process, reduce errors, and ensure secure storage of sensitive information.
Passing the Compliance Test with Clear I-9
Managing I-9 compliance amidst high turnover can be challenging, but Clear I-9 offers a comprehensive solution tailored to the unique needs of higher education institutions.
Key Benefits of Clear I-9:
- Automated Workflows: Streamline the I-9 process, reducing manual effort and minimizing errors.
- Real-Time Validation: Instantly verify employee information to ensure accuracy and compliance.
- Live I-9 Video Verifications: Facilitate remote verification processes, essential for institutions with geographically dispersed staff.
- Secure Document Storage: Maintain all I-9 forms in a secure, centralized repository, ensuring easy access during audits.
- Regulatory Updates: Stay informed with automatic updates on the latest I-9 regulations, ensuring your institution remains compliant.
Stay Compliant and Retain Your Academic Talent
In an environment where educational excellence depends on a stable and qualified workforce, compliance shouldn’t be an added burden. Clear I-9 ensures every hire is verified quickly, securely, and compliantly—so you can focus on fostering academic success.
Schedule a demo today and pass every compliance test with confidence.
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