One in five Gen Z health care workers plans to leave the industry in the next few years, according to a new survey.
Soliant Health's 2024 Healthcare Employment Trends Report revealed that 22 percent of Gen Z health care workers plan to exit the field in one to three years, indicating that even higher turnover might be in the cards for the industry.
Older generations working in health care were significantly less likely to leave it, with only 5.4 percent of millennials and even fewer Gen X saying the same at 2.5 percent. The rate among baby boomers, who are likely approaching retirement, was 15.2 percent, still far below the Gen Z figure.
Some have characterized Gen Z as lazy, which could seemingly fuel their desire to leave the high-pressure industry, but HR consultant Bryan Driscoll said this assumption would be false.
"The portrayal of Gen Z as toxic for workplaces is not only unjust but also overlooks the broader context of the evolving workplace," Driscoll previously told Newsweek. "Their expectations for transparency, inclusivity and purpose in their work often get misconstrued as entitlement or unreliability."
Driscoll said: "Rather than labeling these workers as problematic, it's crucial to recognize they are navigating a work landscape fraught with challenges unseen by previous generations, including economic instability and a global pandemic that has reshaped notions of work-life balance and mental well-being."
Regarding why Gen Z wanted out, only 9 percent said job stress and burnout made them want to leave the health care industry. The main issues cited by 14 percent of Gen-Zers in the survey were an unhealthy workplace environment and culture.
"They're tired of a system that treats them like expendable resources instead of people," Driscoll said. "Gen Z grew up in a world where mental health isn't taboo, boundaries are encouraged, and they've seen how unsustainable careers can wreck lives. They're not afraid to prioritize themselves, and frankly, who can blame them?"
In comparison, millennials, Gen X and baby boomers all cited job stress and burnout as key reasons to look elsewhere for a job.
"The findings of this report underscore the urgent need for healthcare employers to address the stressors affecting their workforce," Ron Washburn, EVP at Soliant Health, said in a statement. "As Gen Z steps into the workforce, it is crucial to recognize the unique motivations and challenges faced by Gen Z. Employers must adapt to these changing values to foster a resilient workforce capable of delivering quality patient care."
Driscoll said if the trend continues, the health care industry could face a talent crisis.
"If this trend continues, the healthcare industry could face a talent crisis that makes the pandemic labor shortages look like a dress rehearsal," Driscoll said. "But there's a silver lining here. This exodus could force systemic change: better working conditions, genuine investment in employee well-being, and more sustainable career paths."
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