Health outcomes are associated with many work stressors in higher education staff. However, the professional compromise stressor, occurring when an individual’s professional standards conflict with workplace requirements, has not been studied in the higher education context. This pilot study contributes to the understanding of professional compromise among higher education employees and its impact on their wellbeing. Hair cortisol of university staff was measured across two time points in an academic semester. The study found that cortisol level was associated with role clarity, work demands, and perceived stress. Furthermore, after controlling for perceived stress, professional compromise at the beginning of semester was a significant predictor of hair cortisol at the end of semester. This pilot study is the first to establish an effect between professional compromise and cortisol concentrations and the first to investigate cortisol as a stress biomarker in higher education staff. The cortisol levels are discussed relative to chronic stress. The implications for higher education managers, indicate professional compromise is a factor university must understand in attending to workplace wellness. Future directions for further research are outlined.

Keywords : Higher Education, Academic Employees, Professional Compromise, Cortisol, Work-Related Stress, Burnout