How HR in Healthcare is Addressing the Talent Shortage

HR healthcare leaders are working to address a talent shortage in the industry, which has only become more pronounced since the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic revealed and resulted in staff shortages across the country. For example, according to one estimate, the U.S. is projected to have a shortage of more than one million nurses.

In this blog post, we'll explore what strategies HR leaders are using to encourage more professionals to take jobs in healthcare. We'll also explore ways the HR department can improve employee retention.

The Talent Shortage in Healthcare

With an older workforce and fewer young professionals entering the field each year, it's becoming increasingly difficult to find staff that meets the needs of hospitals, clinics, and healthcare organizations. According to an article by Oracle, more than 6.5 million healthcare professionals will permanently leave their positions by 2026, while only 1.9 million will step in to replace them, leaving a national industry shortage of more than 4 million workers.

Some areas of the sector are being hit harder by talent shortages than others. For example, many healthcare organizations have reported a shortage of qualified X-ray and diagnostic technicians. Oracle also reported that the industry will face a shortage of 124,000 physicians by 2033.

Despite these challenges, HR departments are taking proactive steps to address acute shortages. Here are a few of the strategies being employed by healthcare HR leaders across the country.

Partnerships with Educational Institutions and Community Organizations

One of the most effective ways to address talent shortages is by partnering with education institutions, community organizations, and other local partners. By working together to create career pathways that can lead to meaningful employment in healthcare, HR departments are helping to increase the number of qualified professionals in the industry.

In addition to creating pipelines for new professional talent, these partnerships can also help to support the retention of existing staff. By providing programs that help employees earn certifications and advance their careers, HR departments are showing their commitment to employee development. This in turn helps to increase job satisfaction and reduce turnover rates.

Creative Sourcing Strategies to Target Diverse Candidate Pools

HR departments are using creative sourcing strategies to target a diverse candidate pool, including those from underserved communities and minority groups. By taking this approach, healthcare organizations can find untapped talent sources and increase representation within the industry.

In addition to traditional recruiting methods like job postings, HR leaders are also leveraging social media platforms such as LinkedIn and Twitter to reach candidates who might not otherwise be aware of job opportunities. Additionally, many healthcare organizations are now using online staffing agencies to quickly fill positions with qualified candidates.

These strategies can also help reduce the cost of recruiting, as well as the time it takes to find the right candidate for a position.

Internship, Mentorship, and Apprenticeship Programs

HR departments are also using internship, mentorship, and apprenticeship programs to attract talented professionals to the industry. These programs can help to give prospective employees a taste of the work environment and build relationships between healthcare providers and students or recent graduates.

By offering internships and other job shadowing opportunities, HR leaders can provide an invaluable learning experience to individuals who may not have access to an academic program in the healthcare field. Additionally, apprenticeship programs can provide a way for employees to gain hands-on experience as they work their way up the ladder.

Ongoing Learning and Development

Ongoing learning and development opportunities keep employees engaged and informed, while also enabling them to improve their skills and apply for new roles within the organization. These programs include training courses on new regulations, medical advancements, and cutting-edge technology, as well as standard skill-based training programs to enable healthcare professionals to become more adaptable.

By investing in employee education, healthcare organizations can ensure that their workforce is up to date on the latest industry trends. They can also ensure their workforces are highly skilled and capable of upward movement.

Competitive Benefits

Finally, competitive benefits packages can help healthcare organizations attract and retain top talent. By offering competitive salaries, flexible hours, and generous vacation time, HR departments are helping to make the industry more attractive to potential employees.

In addition, many healthcare organizations are now offering on-site or online wellness programs that combine health education with incentives for physical activity and healthy eating. These programs help to promote a healthy work culture and attract top talent.

Don’t Miss the Next HR Healthcare Event

The healthcare talent crisis is ongoing, and some organizations are struggling to address their needs for skilled workers. However, these strategies offer a strong path forward to hospitals, clinics, and healthcare companies that need to strengthen their workforces.

If you’d like to learn more about how to address talent shortages at your organization, it’s set to be a hot topic at the next HR Healthcare event. Don’t miss HR Healthcare 2023 happening from October 2^nd to October 3^rd at the Austin Marriot Downtown in Austin, Texas.

Download the agenda and register for the event today.