To gain insights into the strategies used by Healthcare HR Buyers to attract and retain frontline talent, we asked six industry professionals, including CEOs and general managers, to share their approaches. From offering competitive compensation to providing unique perks for work-life balance, discover the innovative strategies these leaders are implementing in their organizations.
- Offer Competitive Compensation
- Include Equity and Ownership Opportunities
- Support with a Cycle of Respect
- Add Cross-Training Opportunities
- Leverage AI for Recruitment and Training
- Provide Unique Perks for Work-Life Balance
First, let’s look at the very telling data.
Between 2016 and 2020, the healthcare industry experienced a notable increase in employee turnover, climbing from nearly 32% to a concerning 45%. Furthermore, the years 2020 to 2021 marked a challenging period as the industry suffered a net loss of approximately 460,000 workers. During this time, the healthcare and social assistance sector faced its largest drop in job openings, totaling a significant decrease of 285,000 positions.
Although there is some respite in recent years, with the current hospital turnover rate standing at 22.7% (a 3.2% decrease from 2021) and the registered nurse (RN) turnover rate at 22.5% (reflecting a 4.6% decrease from 2021), the long-term projections remain concerning. By 2030, a staggering shortage of 15 million healthcare workers is anticipated, predominantly driven by external factors such as demographic changes, heightened demand, and a growing number of chronically ill patients. Additionally, on a macro level, the healthcare workforce is aging, with an estimated half of the physicians practicing in 2021 expected to retire by 2030.
These challenges underscore the urgency of addressing turnover rates, as nearly 40% of new healthcare employees depart within their first year, and a staggering 58.7% leave within two years. Looking ahead, up to 47% of healthcare employees are contemplating leaving their positions by 2025, highlighting the critical need for strategic workforce retention efforts.
So what can healthcare organizations do to slow - or even reverse - frontline worker churn?
Offer Competitive Compensation
One of the key strategies for attracting and retaining frontline talent is to provide a competitive compensation package. This includes offering wages that match or exceed market standards, as well as providing bonuses, incentives, and commission-based pay for top performers.
In addition to providing competitive compensation packages, employers are looking to new tools and rewards programs to attract, motivate, and retain frontline talent. For example, some companies are incorporating AI-driven recruitment systems that can help employers match qualified candidates with the right positions quickly and efficiently. These tools can also be used to track performance metrics and provide rewards for top performers.
-- Ryan Hetrick, CEO, Epiphany Wellness
Include Equity and Ownership Opportunities
One pivotal strategy we've embraced to attract and retain frontline talent is offering equity and ownership opportunities.
A passionate young trainer who was considering leaving our team for a higher-paying role elsewhere comes to mind. By providing him with a stake in the company, he not only stayed but became even more invested in our mission.
This approach goes beyond mere compensation; it instills a sense of belonging and shared destiny. When employees see the direct impact of their efforts on the company's success and reap the rewards, they're more likely to stay committed and motivated.
-- Derek Bruce, First Aid Training Director, Skills Training Group
Support with a Cycle of Respect
People supporting people is our greatest active retention strategy. Much of the time, all it takes is some respect, recognition, and support to get the wheels of engagement turning, and that type of support is what our business is literally founded on. In our organization, help and support are karmic and occur in a beautiful cycle.
As an employer, we support our employees; our employees support our clients, and that support is regurgitated throughout the organization. This cycle reverberates positivity, morale, and motivation, which boosts retention throughout the vessels of our business.
-- Nicholas Mathews, CEO, Stillwater Behavioral Health
Add Cross-Training Opportunities
One pivotal strategy we've embraced to attract and retain our invaluable frontline talent is offering cross-training opportunities.
I remember a particular instance when a new instructor expressed interest in expanding her skill set. We provided her with the chance to learn about both pediatric and adult AED applications, adding depth to her expertise. Not only did she become a more versatile member of our team, but her enthusiasm and confidence soared.
This personal approach has not only helped our team members grow but has fostered a sense of commitment and belonging in our business.
-- Taimur Khan, Operations Manager, AED TRAINING
Leverage AI for Recruitment and Training
One strategy that has been gaining traction for attracting and retaining frontline talent is leveraging artificial intelligence (AI). AI allows businesses to easily assess the skills of candidates, analyze their performance in real time, and provide them with personalized training opportunities.
Using AI can streamline the recruitment process, helping organizations find the best-suited applicants quickly and efficiently. Businesses can also use AI to develop more effective onboarding programs for their frontline employees. By customizing the onboarding process for each employee, businesses can increase knowledge retention and reduce training time.
This helps ensure that new hires are up-to-date with the latest technology and processes within a shorter timeframe, allowing them to quickly become productive members of the team.
-- Evan Tunis, President, Florida Healthcare Insurance
Provide Unique Perks for Work-Life Balance
Over the years, I've realized that traditional incentives often fall short in today's dynamic workforce landscape.
To stand out, we introduced unique perks that resonate on a personal level. For instance, after hearing concerns about work-life balance, we started a monthly "Wellness Day"—a day off that employees can take whenever they feel the need to recharge, no questions asked. It was last month when one of our most dedicated first-aid responders expressed how this simple gesture made him feel genuinely valued and recognized.
-- Haya Subhan, General Manager, First Aid at Work Course
In the ever-evolving healthcare industry, the race to secure and keep frontline talent is relentless. The six strategies outlined here have emerged as beacons of innovation and success in the pursuit of this crucial goal. From the importance of competitive compensation packages that recognize and reward excellence to the human-centric approach of respect and support, these strategies empower healthcare organizations to thrive. Equity and ownership opportunities foster a sense of shared destiny, while cross-training initiatives enrich the skill set of employees, deepening their commitment. Leveraging AI not only streamlines recruitment but also accelerates the journey towards productivity, while unique perks for work-life balance offer a personalized touch that resonates deeply with employees.
In a healthcare world where every member of the frontline team plays a vital role, these strategies collectively strengthen the foundation upon which quality patient care is built. As we navigate the challenges of tomorrow, these innovative approaches will continue to shine as guiding lights, ensuring that healthcare organizations attract and retain the best talent, ultimately benefiting patients and the entire healthcare ecosystem.