The healthcare industry is at a crossroads, facing a workforce crisis that threatens its long-term sustainability. Reports indicate that over 20% of Gen Z healthcare workers are contemplating leaving the field, a troubling trend that could deepen the ongoing labor shortage. According to Soliant Health’s 2024 Healthcare Employment Trends Report, workplace culture issues and limited career advancement opportunities are among the top concerns driving Gen Z professionals away from the industry.
If these trends continue, a shortage of over 100,000 critical healthcare workers nationwide is expected by 2028, according to Mercer. Meanwhile, Forbes has reported that employers across industries have been quick to fire Gen Z employees, citing performance and professionalism concerns. But are these issues inherent to Gen Z, or is the healthcare industry failing to adapt to the evolving workforce?
Why Is Gen Z Leaving Healthcare?
Gen Z workers bring a unique set of expectations and values to the workplace, and many of their concerns highlight long-standing structural challenges in healthcare. Several key factors contribute to their dissatisfaction:
1. Workplace Burnout & Stress
The high-pressure environment of healthcare has long been criticized for its grueling hours and emotional demands. A UKG and Workplace Intelligence study found that 83% of Gen Z frontline healthcare employees report burnout—a staggering statistic that highlights the mental and physical toll of the profession.
2. Pay & Career Advancement Concerns
Out of 27 industries analyzed by Qualtrics, healthcare ranked last for employee satisfaction with pay. Many Gen Z professionals feel that their efforts are undervalued and see limited opportunities for upward mobility within rigid organizational structures.
3. Cultural & Communication Barriers
Healthcare’s traditional, hierarchical structures often clash with Gen Z’s preference for collaborative, purpose-driven work environments. Many younger workers report feeling disconnected from leadership, and a lack of mentorship opportunities further fuels dissatisfaction.
4. Work-Life Balance Expectations
Flexibility is a major priority for Gen Z, yet the demanding schedules of healthcare roles often fail to accommodate their expectations. Without meaningful work-life balance initiatives, retention will remain a challenge.
Bridging the Gap: How Engage Partners Can Help
As Gen Z continues to reshape the workforce, healthcare employers must evolve their hiring and retention strategies. This is where Engage Partners can be a game-changer.
✔ Tailored Staffing Solutions – We match healthcare organizations with candidates who align with their culture, values, and operational needs.
✔ Retention-Focused Hiring – Our approach ensures that hires are set up for long-term success, reducing turnover rates.
✔ Strategic Workforce Planning – We help healthcare employers adapt to changing workforce expectations, implementing flexible staffing solutions to meet Gen Z’s needs.
✔ Enhancing Workplace Culture – We connect organizations with professionals who thrive in team-oriented, innovative environments, fostering a culture of collaboration and engagement.
The Future of Healthcare Hiring
To combat the looming healthcare labor shortage, employers must rethink how they attract, engage, and retain Gen Z talent. The organizations that succeed will be those that adapt to new expectations, prioritize workplace culture, and invest in employee well-being.
Engage Partners is committed to helping healthcare organizations navigate these workforce challenges and build sustainable staffing solutions for the future.
📩 Contact us today to learn how we can help you secure and retain the next generation of healthcare professionals.
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