)
Our ‘Industry in Focus’ series reviews the current and future people-related challenges facing key industries and reveals the role that technology will play in resolving those challenges. In this edition, we look at healthcare, a sector that has faced – and continues to face – significant talent challenges.
Healthcare talent pressures
COVID-19 exacerbated already significant challenges in New Zealand’s healthcare industry, which incorporates public and private hospitals, medical centres, and related providers that deliver health products and services. The pandemic and its aftermath, coupled with an ageing population and a fatigued workforce, have left healthcare employers scrambling to fill shifts and retain employees.
The latest statistics paint a grim picture. Based on current population growth, an extra 1600 workers will be needed annually to 2032, meaning that if nothing changes, the gap could grow to 25,000 healthcare workers. There are no easy fixes for the challenges being faced.
If there’s one positive, it’s that the current crisis has forced employers to look closely at the overall employee experience and what they can offer to workers – while being ever-mindful of tight budgets.
From challenges to opportunities
The reduced supply of workers and extra demand for health services has increased pressure on the government to develop policies to relieve the skills shortage. The Health Workforce Plan 2023/24 is a step in the right direction, covering new training initiatives, targeted recruitment drives, and changes to skilled migration, but these initiatives will take time to have any impact. Employers are taking matters into their own hands.
Many are developing their own strategies to improve the employee experience for workers, to become a magnet that both attracts and retains talent – and keeps them happy, healthy and engaged. That means working with educational institutions to connect with fresh graduates, upskilling existing employees, introducing more flexible work rosters, and taking steps to ease the risk of employee burnout.
The role of technology
Employers are increasingly turning to technology to create equitable and flexible work schedules, benchmark wages, hours and benefits, offer continuous learning and other benefits, and provide support for those who need to work irregular hours. All of this contributes to a more appealing employee experience and a stronger employee value proposition.
For further insights and tips on how to navigate through this challenging time, complete the form to download our fact sheet.