WellSky Study Reveals Generational Insights Shaping the Future of Healthcare Careers
The healthcare workforce in the United States is undergoing profound shifts, not just in the size of the labor pool, but also in the values, expectations, and motivations of its members. A new national study released by WellSky®, a global health and community care technology and services company, in partnership with The Center for Generational Kinetics, sheds light on how different generations perceive healthcare careers, what they seek from employers, and how organizations can adapt to attract and retain top talent in an increasingly competitive environment.
The report, titled “Addressing today’s healthcare workforce challenges: Results from a national study,” is based on insights from 1,200 U.S. workers, including nurses, other healthcare professionals, and individuals outside the sector who are open to entering it. Conducted in March 2025, the study offers a timely exploration of what healthcare workers—and potential workers—truly value. Its findings provide actionable guidance for healthcare leaders who must balance the pressing realities of staffing shortages, high burnout rates, and rising patient needs with the challenge of building sustainable, resilient teams.
Generational Perceptions of Healthcare Careers
One of the study’s most striking insights lies in how different generations view healthcare as a career path. While the industry has long been regarded as a field that offers purpose, stability, and opportunities for growth, the data show that enthusiasm varies significantly by age group.
- Older Millennials (ages 37–45) are the most optimistic, with 85% expressing that they view healthcare careers more favorably than other professions. Many in this group are already well-established in their careers and see healthcare as a stable and meaningful option.
- Gen Z (ages 18–29), however, is less convinced. Only 76% say they feel optimistic about healthcare careers—a notable drop compared to their older peers. This generational divide suggests that younger workers may be more hesitant about committing to a field often associated with stress, heavy workloads, and emotional strain, despite its societal importance.
This discrepancy underscores the need for healthcare organizations to better communicate the benefits of working in the field to younger generations. Beyond salary and stability, leaders must highlight aspects such as purpose, patient impact, and long-term fulfillment—qualities that are particularly resonant with Gen Z’s desire for meaningful work.
Career Growth as a Decisive Factor
Another key theme revealed by the study is the importance of career growth and advancement opportunities. For many workers, particularly younger ones, a clear professional development path is a deciding factor in both entering and staying in healthcare.
- Among younger Millennials (ages 30–36), 36% cited a transparent career path as one of their top three priorities when applying for or accepting a job.
- That percentage drops slightly among older Millennials (28%), Gen Z (25%), and Gen X (24%), but across all generations, there is strong demand for organizations to provide pathways to advancement.
Overall, nearly half of respondents (47%) said they would be more likely to remain in their current healthcare roles if their employers offered structured training programs, certifications, or promotion opportunities. These findings suggest that turnover may be reduced if healthcare organizations invest more heavily in leadership development, mentorship, and skills-building programs that allow employees to visualize a long-term future with their employers.
The Role of Workplace Culture in Retention
Beyond career advancement, the study highlights the pivotal role of workplace culture in both attracting and retaining staff. The healthcare sector has been particularly vulnerable to burnout, especially during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, employees are placing greater emphasis on whether an organization fosters a positive and supportive environment.
According to the study:
- 47% of workers said a healthy company culture was one of the most critical factors in deciding whether to apply for or accept a job.
- Generational differences were also evident in how workers view communication within organizations. Gen X (94%) and Millennials (93%) are more likely than Gen Z (85%) to emphasize the importance of structured channels for sharing ideas and voicing concerns.
This suggests that while all employees want a positive workplace, different generations may have distinct expectations for how that culture should manifest—whether through transparency, open communication, or access to supportive resources.
Healthcare organizations, therefore, face an urgent call to invest not only in clinical tools and staffing but also in cultural initiatives that make workers feel valued, heard, and equipped for success. Providing the right technology and systems is one step, but fostering trust, inclusion, and empowerment is equally vital to retention.
Workforce Challenges Facing Healthcare
The findings of WellSky’s study come at a critical time for the industry. Healthcare providers are grappling with multiple challenges, from ongoing labor shortages to the rising demand for care as the U.S. population ages. According to recent workforce reports, the U.S. could face a shortfall of hundreds of thousands of nurses and other frontline workers by the end of the decade.
The study’s insights highlight just how multi-dimensional these workforce challenges are. It is not enough to simply hire more people; organizations must create conditions that encourage them to stay. With many experienced nurses weighing whether to remain in the field and new graduates considering other industries, the stakes could not be higher.
Bill Miller, chairman and CEO of WellSky, emphasized this urgency:
Healthcare career decisions are being made every day, whether it’s an experienced nurse debating between staying or leaving the field or a new graduate choosing where to begin the job hunt. As competition for staff intensifies, it’s essential for leaders to understand and respond to the unique expectations and challenges each generation brings to healthcare. This isn’t just a report—it’s a roadmap for building resilient teams and crafting recruitment and retention strategies that bridge generations.
Building a Multi-Generational Workforce Strategy
What the WellSky study makes clear is that healthcare organizations can no longer rely on one-size-fits-all workforce strategies. Each generation brings unique strengths, priorities, and communication styles to the workplace.
- Gen Z values purpose but may be skeptical about healthcare’s long-term viability unless organizations show them clear opportunities for growth and balance.
- Millennials want professional development and transparent career paths that enable them to progress within the field.
- Gen X continues to prioritize structure and communication while seeking stability and support.
- Baby Boomers, while nearing retirement age, still contribute invaluable expertise and mentorship opportunities.
A successful workforce strategy must recognize and integrate these differences. That could mean designing mentorship programs that pair experienced clinicians with newer staff, offering tailored training programs for different career stages, or deploying technologies that reduce administrative burden and free up workers to focus on patient care.
A Path Forward for Healthcare Leaders
The WellSky study ultimately provides more than just data points; it serves as a call to action for healthcare leaders. Addressing workforce shortages will require more than recruitment campaigns. It will demand comprehensive strategies that combine cultural investments, professional development, and targeted engagement efforts by generation.
Healthcare leaders must:
- Highlight purpose to attract Gen Z and younger Millennials by showcasing how healthcare careers directly impact lives and communities.
- Offer career pathways with structured advancement programs that reduce uncertainty and encourage long-term commitment.
- Foster workplace culture that prioritizes communication, support, and empowerment.
- Invest in technology and tools that alleviate worker strain and demonstrate organizational commitment to success.
By addressing these needs, healthcare organizations can build stronger, more resilient teams capable of meeting today’s demands and tomorrow’s challenges.
