Generations Y and Z-New challenges for hospital leadership

Background and objective In this study medical students of the generations Y and Z at the Georg-August University Gottingen were asked about their preferences in the workplace and the choice of an employer. Material and methods In 2016, the survey was sent to 2637 students at the University Medical Center Gottingen using an online questionnaire via EvaSys and was answered by 742 (response rate: 28.1%). Results Regardless of the generation, with 89.5% the respondents felt predominantly "well" and "not so well" prepared for the transition from university to professional life. The most common fears were a lot of work/little free time, lack of time in patient care, lack of experience, stress, excessive technical demands and poor familiarization. In both groups almost 60% obtained information about future employers via the hospital's website. It was important for the students to have a particularly good education and a structured induction/advanced training curriculum. Conclusion The further development of a structured induction concept for young professionals, a binding and structured further training curriculum, the establishment or further development of a mentoring program, the further development of leadership skills and the design of an appealing and updated website are essential prerequisites for future success in the highly competitive skilled labor market.