What You Should Know:
– A new report from Soliant Health reveals a concerning trend: healthcare professionals across all age groups are leaving the industry due to job stress, poor work-life balance, and unhealthy workplace cultures.
– Surprisingly, Gen Z (ages 18-27) is leading the exodus, with over 22% planning to leave their healthcare jobs within the next 1-3 years.
Generational Differences in Departure Drivers
While all generations struggle with workplace challenges, the Soliant Health 2024 Healthcare Employment Trends Report identifies specific concerns for each age group:
- Gen Z: Unhealthy workplace culture and limited career advancement opportunities are the primary drivers for leaving.
- Millennials (ages 28-43): High job stress, burnout, and poor work-life balance are the main concerns.
- Gen X (ages 44-59): Similar to Millennials, unhealthy workplace culture and high job stress are top concerns, along with lack of support from management.
- Baby Boomers (ages 60+): Unhealthy workplace culture, job stress, and lack of leadership support are the main reasons for leaving.
Strategies to Improve Retention
The report offers key strategies for healthcare organizations to address these challenges and improve retention:
- Promote Work-Life Balance: Offer flexible scheduling, reduce overtime, and consider telemedicine or part-time options.
- Improve Workplace Culture: Foster positive and inclusive environments through feedback, employee engagement, and open communication.
- Prioritize Career Advancement: Provide mentorship, leadership training, and continuing education opportunities, especially for younger generations.
- Enhance Leadership Support: Strengthen relationships between staff and management through regular check-ins and collaborative problem-solving.
“The Soliant Health 2024 report confirms that addressing the diverse and evolving needs of healthcare professionals is key to retaining a dedicated workforce,” said Washburn. “Organizations must focus on holistic strategies to reducing job stress, promoting work-life balance, and fostering a healthy workplace culture if they want to keep their employees engaged and committed.”
