Health care firms struggle to retain workers

A recent survey by consultants Watson Wyatt Worldwide and the American Society for Healthcare Human Resources Administration (ASHHRA) has confirmed what you already knew--keeping critical-skill workers on board is a tremendous challenge. Of the 110 providers who responded to the survey, 69 percent said they're having moderate or great difficulty holding on to critical staffers such as registered nurses. Keeping nurses on board was the providers' biggest concern, with 83 percent naming it as a top priority, followed by pharmacist retention (39 percent) and rehab therapist retention.

In fact, healthcare organizations are facing instability across their entire employee base. Voluntary turnover is running at 14 percent, much higher than other industries, Watson Wyatt and ASHHRA reported. To address the situation, providers are raising salaries, paying off student loans and offering flexible hours. Few, however, are enhancing benefits such as health insurance or paid time off, the study noted.

For more survey results:
- read this Watson Wyatt/ASHHRA release

Post a comment