One in five Gen Z healthcare workers are considering leaving the industry

More than 20% of Gen Z healthcare workers are considering leaving the industry, according to the report, raising concerns about the sustainability of an already strained workforce. Soliant Health's 2024 Healthcare Employment Trends Report cites workplace culture issues and limited advancement opportunities as key concerns. According to a Mercer report, the exodus from the healthcare industry is expected to result in a shortage of more than 100,000 key workers nationwide by 2028. Meanwhile, Forbes reports that employers across multiple industries are firing Gen Z employees en masse, citing concerns about performance and professionalism.

What is Gen Z missing in healthcare?

The healthcare industry has long come under fire for its high-pressure work environment, with well-documented burnout and dissatisfaction among professionals. In a survey of more than 13,000 respondents conducted by UKG and Workplace Intelligence, 83% of Gen Z frontline healthcare workers reported burnout. According to a recent report from Qualtrics, healthcare ranks last among 27 industries in terms of employee pay satisfaction. Many young workers cite harmful cultural dynamics, such as micromanagement, hierarchy, and a lack of support from leadership, as a major cause of dissatisfaction.

The driving force behind Generation Z’s shift away from medicine

Research shows that there are several important factors that explain why Gen Z workers retire.

Work-life balance: Many Gen Z workers prioritize flexibility and mental health, but the rigid schedules and high stress levels of healthcare workers often conflict with these values. Communication challenges: Gen Z employees increasingly seek purpose-driven careers, and closing the communication loop is critical. Are new employees taught how to communicate (listening and speaking)? The practice of medicine is based not only on science but also on human interaction and communication. The goal is to balance patient needs in an environment of mutual respect. The deskless workforce in healthcare is high-touch, with interactions between patients and colleagues at the heart of service delivery. Building trust and knowing how to collaborate is important for every generation. Conflict with traditional structures: Many young employees are uncomfortable with the hierarchical and rigid structures often found in healthcare organizations and prefer collaborative, innovative environments.

In fact, the structured hierarchy of the healthcare industry does not necessarily lend itself to collaboration and different perspectives. Surgeons in the operating room do not receive input from various individuals regarding the initial incision or final suture. Pediatric dentists must use their unique expertise to make split-second decisions when a 6-year-old child is struggling in a chair. Staff members support this step (staff members cannot comment or vote on it). Many front-line medical jobs don't lend themselves to give-and-take relationships. The role is service and support focused.

Opportunities to reach Gen Z in healthcare

David Schreiner is president and CEO of Katherine Shaw Bethea Hospital in Dixon, Illinois. he says: “Healthcare is about more than just doctors and nurses. We have accountants and plumbers all over the place, and the first thing we can do to attract and retain Gen Z is raise awareness of what it means to work in healthcare. He advocates for early exposure to increase interest in health care in middle and high schools to educate students about the possibilities. “I'm a big fan of job shadowing. Bringing people to work and having them follow you and see for themselves what the day is like.” But radiology, Enrollments in nursing and other health-related fields are declining and vacancies continue to remain unfilled. How can healthcare companies turn the tide and present attractive opportunities when supply systems are contracting?

Schreiner said that in the past, organizations sponsored university programs with a “trick” that allowed students to study for free in exchange for three years of dedicated service. Removing hooks as a necessary holding element “is an upward trend for everyone,” he says.

As mentioned earlier, schedules are a major concern for Gen Z. “We have three shifts at KSB Hospital,” David explains. “7 to 3, 3 to 11, 11 to 7. If you come to us and say, 'I want to work from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. so I can get my kids to school.' We start with “yes”. Instead of saying, “That shift doesn't exist,'' we're saying, “What can we do to make that shift work?'' ”

Generation Z theory and practice

These are Albert Einstein's famous words. “In theory, practice and theory are the same. In reality, they're not.” In my experience working with thousands of Gen Z students, including at some of the nation's largest universities, the media's influence on Gen Z It turns out there is more than punishment. A September survey found that 60% of employers have laid off the majority of their Gen Z employees. A few months after it started. My experience is different. There is a dedication and drive towards the youngest generation in the workforce. You just need to design your work in a way that better represents your talent and motivation.

David Schreiner agrees. “When I look at Gen Z people, I'm so impressed. They're talented. They want to work hard. They're excited to make our profession (healthcare) better. Anyone who says negative things about this group just hasn't spent time with them.''In fact, beyond the media hype, there is hope in medicine. But without a deep understanding of workplace processes and important soft skills, Gen Z workers will not be able to succeed in healthcare and other industries.

Why a high salary isn’t enough for Gen Z in the healthcare industry

A Vivian Health survey ranked healthcare as the most stressful profession, with 73% of respondents identifying themselves as stressed. For Gen Z, fulfillment, purpose, and a healthy work environment are just as valuable as financial rewards. According to Qualtrics' 2023 Healthcare Experience Trends Report, healthcare ranks last in “employee satisfaction with pay” compared to 27 other industries surveyed.

Calls for change in healthcare

Healthcare employers looking to attract and retain Gen Z may need to reconsider:

Onboarding and training: Improved training programs tailored to Gen Z's learning preferences (interactive, technology-enabled, and purpose-driven) can facilitate a smoother transition into the healthcare profession. Creating programs that go beyond task-based instruction will help Gen Z understand the true demands of work. Because learning how to draw blood is not the same as drawing blood 200 times a week in a busy medical center. Support systems: Having mental health resources, mentorship opportunities, and mechanisms to address workplace frustrations can reduce burnout and promote retention. Adaptable schedules, rather than lock-step shifts, are a big advantage (as Schreiner said). Soft skills programs can complement scientific expertise, so patients (and employees) don't have to endure the pain of outdated management practices. And it is necessary to understand how to recognize, diffuse, and defend against potentially violent situations. Rethinking Leadership: How is your organization using coaching to explore new ways to interact across generations? From a top-down leadership model to one that emphasizes inclusivity and collaboration ’s transition may appeal to Gen Z expectations about workplace culture.

The potential for Gen Z to leave healthcare is a wake-up call for an industry that needs to change. Research shows that creating employee value and retaining top talent is important, and that awareness can drive career interest and commitment. By improving support systems, rethinking training programs, and modernizing workplace practices, healthcare organizations have the opportunity to not only retain young talent but also develop a motivated and engaged workforce. This pivotal moment for Gen Z could ultimately reshape healthcare for the better and ensure long-term career viability in an ever-changing world.