Abstract
The purpose of this study was to explore factors that influence academics' intention to stay or quit their job at a public university in South Africa. Based on purposive sampling, a sample of 11 research participants was drawn from academics who work in different departments at the selected public university in South Africa. Face-to-face, semi-structured interviews were used to collect data from the research participants who had been employed by the university for a minimum of two years. The study found that the work environment and work flexibility influence most academics' intention to stay or quit their job. The work environment consists of the physical environment, working conditions, and company culture, all of which affect workflow and employee mood. Conversely, work flexibility includes remote working, a hybrid work model, and flexitime, which allow workers to balance work and non-work activities. The study also discovered that a few academics' intention to stay or quit their job is influenced by supervisor support, employee recognition, and training and growth opportunities. The current study recommends that the selected university in South Africa should understand and comprehend the factors that influence academics' intention to stay or quit their job. To lower the intention to quit, this study also recommends that the university consider, and address issues related to the work environment, employee recognition, work flexibility, supervisor support, and training and development.