The blame isn’t squarely at the feet of college leaders, whose morale also matters as they navigate incredibly difficult conditions. But research in human-resource management tells us that people need to feel safe, valued, and confident that they have the resources needed to do their jobs. And while those needs have always existed, the pandemic has brought new light to the extent to which our employers have failed to deliver. In many ways institutions have neglected to create conditions for people to flourish.

Academe's Great Disengagement includes many of The Chronicle's best and latest reads on declining morale in the academic workplace — and how colleges can improve it. Discover unconventional leadership skills aimed at balancing employee needs with your own, how to broaden what we consider professional development and other tools to help reengage faculty.