By Jenn Martin
Over the past decade, healthcare organizations have faced increasing pressures from an aging population, rising rates of chronic illness, and increasing patient volumes. As these factors have increased demand for services, we have seen the healthcare workforce shrink as long-time caregivers have retired or otherwise left the field, making attracting, retaining, and supporting healthcare staff paramount for leaders across the sector.
With these challenges in mind, here is a look at approaches healthcare organizations are employing to help keep teams together and to retain staff.
Competitive Compensation & Benefits:
A recent Bain & Company Frontline of Healthcare survey highlighted the significance of compensation for clinicians: 62 percent of respondents ranked compensation among their top three professional priorities. This underscores just how central pay is to employee satisfaction and retention efforts.
Beyond salary, competitive benefits, such as health coverage and retirement plans, play a major role in employee retention. According to a 2024 report from The Predictive Index, companies that offer competitive health benefits see a 27 percent lower turnover rate. By consistently evaluating and enhancing compensation and benefits packages, healthcare organizations can entice their staff to continue for years to come.
Flexible Working Schedules and Inclusive Work Environment
Offering flexible work schedules – whether through shift swapping, self-scheduling, or accommodating personal needs – is another proven tactic for retaining employees.
A 2022 survey conducted by the American Nurses Foundation revealed that 59 percent of registered nurses surveyed were asked to cover additional shifts at least once a week, with 23 percent being asked daily. In acute care settings, these numbers were even higher – 69 percent were asked at least weekly to cover extra shifts, and 28 percent daily. The survey revealed that these scheduling pressures contributed to negative mental health outcomes, with many nurses reporting difficulties in finding time off and being required to work beyond their scheduled shifts.
Prioritizing mental health in a healthcare environment is important. Organizations that proactively offer resources such as mental health support and burnout prevention workshops help employees manage stress. As a result, these resources foster a supportive workplace culture that encourages open conversations about mental health, reduces stigma, and contributes to reduced turnover.
When staff feel valued and included, they are more likely to remain committed to their organization. Regular check-ins and open communication also ensure that healthcare workers feel seen and heard but also valued.
Use Innovation to Support Engage Employees
Often used as a tool to improve patient care and outcomes, innovation via technology can also be turned internally to foster a more engaged workforce.
One benefit of innovation for healthcare staff is a reduced administrative burden. A recent study from the American Medical Association found that 57 percent of physicians responding to the survey felt that reducing administrative burden was one of the major areas of untapped opportunity for AI. Beyond AI, digital tools such as mobile apps and competency management systems, for example, enable organizations to simplify employee workflows, easily shift schedules, and provide real-time access to resources.
For leaders, embracing innovative surveys and engagement technologies can also provide valuable insight into employee satisfaction.
As a significant portion of the population reaches advanced ages, the demand for healthcare services will only grow. To meet this need, healthcare organizations will have to be mindful of their staff recruitment and retention capabilities. By following these proven strategies, organizations can keep their staff in place while building a resilient workforce better equipped to deliver high-quality care in a continuously evolving landscape.