Contributor: How Health Care Companies Can Use Upskilling to Navigate the Great Resignation

The Great Resignation is sending health care workers out of the industry in massive numbers, and this, coupled with the ongoing transformation of health care, is creating the perfect storm. Alleviating their stress, burnout, and disengagement is a necessary first step. But the proper development, training, and upskilling is also crucial. Pandemic-weary health care workers are resigning in alarming numbers. Since February 2020, nearly 1 in 5 have quit their jobs. US hospitals will need to hire 200,000 nurses and 122,000 physicians every year, and the World Health Organization’s State of the World's Nursing Report predicts a global shortfall of more than 10 million nurses.

This is not a new trend labor shortfalls have afflicted health care for years. But the pandemic accelerated the burnout, lack of engagement, and uneven work-life balance that drives professionals out of health care. A 2021 Washington Post-Kaiser Family Foundation survey found that nearly 30% of health care workers are considering leaving their profession altogether. Almost 60% reported mental health issues stemming from their work during COVID-19. This is a dangerous state of affairs, but it can change. An especially productive solution is upskilling. Gallup research repeatedly finds that development is a primary attractant of a new job especially among younger workers and a crucial element of engagement. And health care workers are keen for development.