SEA-EU Staff Week in Cádiz – Enhancing HR in Higher Education

The third SEA-EU HR Staff Week was organised by the University of Cádiz between 21 and 23 October 2025. This year’s theme was “Professional development of HR as an important factor for the improvement of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs).”

The event aimed to promote collaboration and the exchange of experiences and good practices in the leadership and management of HEI administrative staff, with the broader goal of fostering more efficient and competitive universities. One of the main factors identified was the importance of professional development for administrative staff.

The key challenge, particularly in a context of uncertainty and budgetary constraints, is to support professional growth while ensuring sustainable university funding. Management must balance financial realities with the need to achieve institutional objectives effectively.

To improve system efficiency and align staff expectations with institutional needs, the introduction and promotion of new development mechanisms were deemed essential. Universities should combine opportunities for traditional professional promotion with career advancement pathways that do not necessarily involve changes in job roles. One such approach is the development of a horizontal career structure based on competencies, performance, and contribution rather than position alone.

This model helps reduce organisational inflation. The University of Cádiz presented a new framework they are implementing that recognises and rewards staff for productivity, performance, and service attitude without requiring formal promotions.

Special attention was dedicated to mental and occupational health, including psychological risks in the workplace. In an era where burnout is becoming the silent epidemic of academia, this session served as an important reminder of the need for proactive measures. Participants explored how organisational climate and leadership styles directly influence well-being and why timely intervention is critical.

The discussions also addressed internationalisation, with some universities reporting challenges in encouraging staff participation in mobility programmes. One of the main barriers identified was language proficiency, which often discourages staff from engaging in opportunities abroad.

The staff week concluded with proposals for future HR staff events. It was agreed that upcoming editions should focus on specific thematic areas, with all participating universities collaborating to support the host institution in planning and organisation.