2026 EDUCAUSE Workforce Report: How Teams Are Adapting to AI, External Pressures, and Strategic Change

Published:
Briefs, Case Studies, Papers, Reports
Author(s) and Contributors:
Author(s): Kristen Gay
Source(s) and Collection(s):
Sources(s): EDUCAUSE Publications Collection(s): Research Hub Research Report
ParentTopics:
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Change Management Digital Literacy Higher Education Transformation Institutional Management IT Funding and Spending IT Organization Professional Development Strategic Planning Student Success Technology Selection Workforce Development

2026 Workforce Report: How Teams are Adapting to AI, External Pressures, and Strategic Change

This report builds on prior EDUCAUSE workforce research by examining not just what is changing in higher education technology and data work—but how professionals are responding to sustained change. As institutions navigate evolving priorities shaped by emerging technologies, financial pressures, and broader workforce trends, this study focuses on how those external forces translate into shifts in roles, skills, and day-to-day work. Drawing on survey and focus group data, it explores how professionals are adapting to—and in some cases influencing—the direction of institutional change.

Rather than segmenting findings by functional area, the report highlights shared challenges across roles, including increasing workloads, resource constraints, and shifting priorities. It is organized around key questions about institutional strategy, team roles, workforce impacts, and critical skills, offering a cross-cutting view of how change is experienced across the higher education workforce. Ultimately, the report positions this moment not only as a period of disruption, but also as an opportunity for reflection on how teams and institutions can adapt to meet future needs.

What’s in the report?

  • Introduction and Key Findings
  • How Are Institutional Priorities Shifting?
  • What Contributes to or Undermines Confidence in Institutional Strategic Direction?
  • How Is Institutional Change Affecting Workload, Staffing, Retention, and Turnover?
  • How Are Team Roles and Priorities Evolving?
  • What Professional Skills and Competencies Are Most Critical?
  • Conclusion and Promising Practices

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What are the report highlights?

  • Institutions are currently focused on responding to external pressures, including emerging technologies (especially AI), financial constraints, and enrollment changes.
  • Institutional change is largely being absorbed at the team level, where adjustments are being made and responsibilities added to meet growing demands.
  • These ongoing adjustments come at a cost: The need to address immediate priorities can limit capacity for longer-term strategic work.
  • An institutional focus on student success is associated with greater confidence in strategic direction, and meaningful work supports retention for higher education professionals, even amid limited resources and heavy workloads.
  • Although a strong majority of respondents said their team would need to support AI strategy and responsible use, a majority of these respondents felt that their team was only somewhat prepared to do so.
  • While some respondents noted that change fatigue is a challenge, others pointed to the rapidly changing environment as creating space for reflection and needed shifts toward automation and collaboration.

Who should use this report?

This report is designed for higher education leaders, managers, and professionals responsible for navigating workforce change—particularly those involved in technology, data, and institutional strategy. It is especially relevant for individuals shaping or responding to shifts in priorities driven by AI, financial pressures, and evolving institutional needs.

Reports and Supporting Materials

FAQs

  • What is the 2026 EDUCAUSE Workforce Report about?
    The report examines how higher ed teams are adapting to AI, financial pressures, and shifting institutional priorities.
  • What are the biggest workforce trends in higher education?
    AI strategy, rising workloads, and expanding team responsibilities are reshaping the workforce.
  • How is AI impacting higher education staff?
    AI is driving strategic change while increasing demand for new skills and team capacity.
  • Why are teams struggling with strategic work?
    Heavy workloads and competing priorities are limiting time for long-term planning.
  • What skills are most important for the future workforce?
    AI, data, and automation skills—along with adaptability, communication, and collaboration—are critical.
  • What builds confidence in institutional strategy?
    A focus on student success and strong leadership most strongly drive confidence.
  • What opportunities does this report highlight?
    Opportunities include advancing AI adoption, strengthening collaboration, and improving efficiency.