Retaining employees is more difficult than ever as the healthcare industry faces historic staffing shortages. According to the American Hospital Association, the industry will lack up to 3.2 million workers by 2026. Research from the National Council of State Boards of Nursing shows nearly 900,000 nurses plan to leave the workforce by 2027—nearly one-fifth of 4.5 million total registered nurses.
As healthcare staffing challenges persist, employers can examine opportunities to improve retention.
Recognize the skill and commitment of employees.
Employees desire recognition weekly, according to research. In challenging healthcare roles, giving positive feedback and celebrating the traits that make your employees unique and the right fit for your organization can boost morale. Recognition alone is often not sufficient to retain employees long-term, but it can impact employee engagement.
Listen and respond to feedback.
It’s crucial for leaders to hear from employees and to respond to concerns efficiently. As challenges persist throughout the healthcare industry, you may be limited in your ability to enact change. Consider what is possible to accomplish at your workplace to improve day-to-day operations and be open to accepting feedback.
Offer scheduling flexibility when possible.
Properly staffing shifts is critical to patient care. While it’s not always feasible to accommodate scheduling preferences or requests, doing so when possible demonstrates care for employees and promotes work-life balance.
Hire the right fit.
Good recruiting and onboarding processes can aid retention by hiring employees who understand the role and want to be part of the team and company. Team dynamics can improve employees’ experiences at work and create a culture of care and support.
About Express Healthcare Staffing
Express Healthcare Staffing is in the business of people. We support local hospitals, clinics, and long-term facilities with exceptional medical professionals seeking new career opportunities. Through an individual approach to healthcare staffing, we help ensure the right fit for both the facility and the professional. For more information, visit ExpressHealthcare.com.
Last Updated on October 30, 2025
