Establishing a Sustainable Healthcare Delivery Workforce in the Wake of COVID-19

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. healthcare sector was facing challenges that threatened the sustainability of its workforce. These challenges included changing demographics, competition from other employers, and burnout. Now in the wake of the pandemic, the labor market is seeing more disruption with the exacerbation of these issues. Healthcare organizations have a responsibility to prevent further labor shortages so that they can continue to deliver high quality care and achieve positive health outcomes. Given the changes in people's values and behaviors, healthcare leaders can consider four innovative strategies to meet the needs of their current and future employees: flexible work arrangements, alternative benefits packages, career pathways, and mental health services. Organizations need to take into account their employee populations and the ability to invest in these changes when considering how to move forward.