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Abstract
Addressing working conditions in higher education is crucial to retaining student affairs professionals. This study explores the current state of working conditions in the field and the influence working conditions have on professionals’ turnover intentions. Perceptions of psychological contract fulfillment is a factor that can interact with experiences of working conditions and influence professionals’ turnover intentions. Using a quantitative study, the researcher surveyed 103 student affairs professionals at R1: Doctoral Universities. The survey measured professionals’ perceptions of working conditions at their institutions, their perceptions of psychological contract fulfillment, and their turnover intentions. Analysis of survey data suggested that working conditions and psychological contract are correlated constructs, and that both are predictors of turnover intentions. However, data indicated that working conditions were the most significant predictor of student affairs professionals’ turnover intentions. In response to this data, it is recommended that higher education administrators consider the working conditions of their professionals and take appropriate measures to address them. Future research should consider including student affairs professionals from additional institutional types. Additionally, future research should prioritize understanding the unique experiences of professionals with diverse identities.