Key Insights for HR Leaders in Healthcare: Addressing Workforce Challenges for 2024

As healthcare organizations face mounting pressure in 2024, one thing is clear: HR leaders in healthcare must act decisively to address the growing workforce crisis.

A rapidly aging nurse workforce, skyrocketing burnout rates, and an alarming shortage of experienced professionals are just a few of the challenges that are opposing hospitals and academic medical centers.

PRS Global’s 2024 Annual HR Leaders Workforce Report sheds light on the critical gaps and emerging trends in healthcare staffing, offering key insights that can help HR leaders make informed, strategic decisions in the months ahead.

This year’s survey, conducted with HR leaders from top teaching hospitals and academic medical centers, highlights the urgent need for long-term workforce planning, innovative recruitment strategies, and stronger retention efforts.

Our expert-driven report offers practical solutions to help HR leaders address these challenges. For actionable insights and in-depth data, download the full report now.

How HR Leaders Can Address Growing Nurse Shortage

One of the most alarming findings from the 2024 survey is the projected nursing shortage. With nearly 360,000 registered nurses expected to be missing from the workforce by 2027, HR leaders must act now to build long-term workforce strategies that not only address current gaps but also prepare for future demand.

Key Challenges:

• • 28% shortage of experienced and specialty nurses
  • 43% of HR leaders cite burnout as a major issue impacting retention and patient care.

While many organizations have turned to immediate solutions like increased compensation and flexible scheduling, the success of these measures varies, underscoring the need for deeper, long-term strategic planning.

What HR Leaders Should Consider:

• • Begin developing 3-5 year workforce plans.
  • Explore alternative staffing models, including international recruitment.
  • Measure ROI on existing workforce strategies to optimize long-term sustainability.

For a more comprehensive look at effective workforce planning, download the full report to see expert recommendations for creating a future-proof healthcare workforce.

Key Workforce Challenges HR Leaders Face in Healthcare Today

In addition to the nursing shortage, HR leaders in healthcare face a range of workforce challenges. According to our survey, three issues stand out as particularly urgent: staff burnout, onboarding delays, and gaps between HR and nursing leadership perspectives.

Staff Burnout

• • 43% of HR leaders identify burnout as a critical issue affecting employee retention and care quality. Burnout not only strains the workforce but also impacts patient outcomes and organizational performance.

Onboarding and Training Delays

• • 33% of HR leaders reported challenges with the time it takes to onboard new nurses. Lengthy onboarding delays not only prolong staffing shortages but also compromise patient care.

Bridging the Gap Between HR and Nursing

• • There is often a disconnect between HR and nursing leadership on key workforce challenges. Aligning HR and nursing leaders through regular communication and shared goals is critical for developing cohesive strategies that address both immediate and long-term needs.

Want to know more about how HR leaders can address these challenges? The full report dives deeper into these issues and provides actionable recommendations tailored to the unique needs of healthcare organizations.

Diversifying Recruitment Pipelines: A Key Strategy for HR Leaders in Healthcare

To build a more resilient workforce, HR leaders must expand their recruitment strategies. Traditional hiring approaches often fall short of addressing the staffing shortages healthcare organizations are facing.

Actionable Insight:

• • Diversify Clinical Pipelines: Expand recruitment efforts beyond new grad programs. Consider recruiting from areas with surplus nurses, both domestically and internationally.
  • International Direct Hire (IDH) programs are becoming an essential part of the solution, providing immediate access to skilled nursing talent from across the globe.

Integrating IDH into your recruitment strategy can help alleviate gaps created by retiring nurses, reduce reliance on costly contract labor, and enhance workforce stability.

Effective Workforce Strategies for Nurse Retention in Healthcare

Retention is one of the most critical issues facing healthcare organizations today. As nursing turnover rates continue to rise, HR leaders must implement strategies that promote engagement and job satisfaction.

Effective Strategies for Retention:

• • Mentorship Programs: Pair experienced nurses with new hires to ensure they are supported through the first critical year.
  • Recognition and Career Development: Expanding recognition programs and offering clear career progression pathways can significantly boost morale and retention.

Our research shows that organizations that invest in their nursing staff’s development and well-being see substantial improvements in retention and overall workforce satisfaction.

Leveraging International Direct Hire (IDH) for Healthcare Workforce Solutions

For HR leaders, IDH offers a promising solution to the ongoing nursing shortage. With fewer domestic nurses entering the profession and more nearing retirement, international recruitment can help bridge the gap.

Benefits of IDH:

• • Reduced reliance on contract labor: Cost-effective and stable workforce solution.
  • Faster integration: Many IDH nurses serve as preceptors, helping onboard and train new hires more quickly.
  • Improved staff retention: Permanent hires reduce burnout and the need for overtime.

Explore how a well-structured IDH program can complement your existing recruitment efforts and help build a more resilient workforce.

Plan your workforce future

The workforce challenges facing healthcare HR leaders in healthcare are significant—but there are solutions that drive success. By implementing long-term strategic plans, diversifying recruitment pipelines, and addressing staff burnout, HR leaders can make meaningful progress in securing a resilient workforce for the future.

Ready to unlock the full set of insights, expert recommendations, and actionable strategies? Download PRS Global's 2024 Annual HR Leaders Workforce Report to take the next best step for your future.