Current Landscape of Work Modes and Tools in Higher Education in the Research Development Field

Abstract

We conducted an online survey of National Organization of Research Development Professionals (NORDP) members in the higher education research enterprise to identify trends in work modes and expand insights into how the current workforce is shaping the profession. We find: (1) Hybrid work has emerged as a dominant work mode and likely is here to stay; (2) Flexibility, communication, and expectations around RD work is critical for successful teamwork as RD professionals need to connect with leadership and investigators and meet their varying expectations; (3) Remote workers have the highest rated rates of personal productivity and personal well-being; (4) In-person workers perceived their work mode as the most permanent. Remote workers are unlikely to consider fully in-person roles in future; and (5) While institutions have done well in terms of providing basic technology support (laptop, monitors), they have neglected to provide resources for their remote workers (e.g., coverage for internet, phone and office supplies). With this first of its kind study in the RD field, our goals are to share the potential of work modes and empower our colleagues to either leverage these results into their institutions or advance the research by expanding the survey.