Healthcare talent management trends indicate hiring and retention are top of mind for healthcare leaders this year, according to the 2019 healthcare talent management predictions released by HealthcareSource.

HealthcareSource is a talent management software provider for the healthcare industry. Its leadership identified more than a dozen key trends based on working with its client base of more than 3,500 healthcare organizations, as well as independent research. 

Key trends affect both employers and employees and are expected to influence talent recruitment and retention strategies across the full continuum of care.

Highlights include: 

• The aging population will increasingly impact the healthcare talent landscape. In addition to aging population’s increased healthcare needs putting a strain on workforce resources, employee retention and succession planning will be critical to offset those retiring from the workforce.
• Accelerated market consolidation across the continuum of care. It is widely expected that more hospitals will be merging, creating larger health systems and requiring healthcare HR leaders to more efficiently and strategically recruit across the full continuum of care.
• Consumerization will take center stage. The lines between businesses and consumers are blurring. Healthcare HR technology vendors will focus on a product’s ease-of-use to improve the application and hiring process, and recruiters will identify new consumer-driven ways to source, attract, and hire new talent.
• Hospitals will face increasing competition from retail establishments. Industry estimates are calling for increasing numbers of urgent care retail clinics, creating more talent competition for hospitals, senior living facilities, and other healthcare providers.
• Healthcare workers will need enhanced skillsets to respond to emerging methods of care such as telemedicine. Different sets of competencies will be required to achieve high-quality care in a telemedicine setting. Healthcare organizations will need to hire for these soft skills or train existing staff for any gaps.
• Talent scarcity will force organizations to better integrate and select contingent workers. The more providers need to rely on contingent workers, the more critical it is to identify their clinical and behavioral competencies, as well as cultural fit.

“The healthcare industry continues to face major talent recruitment and retention challenges that are negatively impacting revenue growth and patient care,” said HealthcareSource President CEO J.P. Fingado. “Hiring the right people and applying engagement strategies starting day one will increase organizations’ ability to retain exceptional talent, allowing the organizations to provide quality care and strengthen their businesses.”