67% of Healthcare Workers Are Experiencing Burnout, Leading to Staffing Shortages: Increased Salary and Remote Telemedicine Deter Turnover

Software Advice’s new research reveals that healthcare workers want increased salary (64%) and remote working options (59%) amidst record resignations

AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Software Advice, which provides 1-on-1 help and personalized software recommendations to healthcare providers, released findings from its latest survey, on how to retain healthcare workers. The study aims to help hospitals, healthcare providers and independent offices retain employees and create a better work environment amidst the unprecedented worker shortages.

In the survey, healthcare workers said the top three reasons they’re staying in their role include salary and benefits (39%), loyalty to employer and co-workers (26%), and loyalty to their patients (23%). Out of those actively considering leaving their jobs, they cited increased salary (64%) and remote working options (59%) as top retention methods. Only 15% of respondents cited lack of job opportunities as a barrier for exit, indicating a hot job market where healthcare employers must deploy strategies to retain their qualified workforce.

“Retaining qualified healthcare workers is one of the biggest priorities for independent practices and hospitals right now, with increased salary being cited as the top retention method,” said Lisa Hedges, medical analyst for Software Advice. “A little raise can make a big difference in your employees’ lives, and that difference is often enough for them to continue being your employee.”

The mass exodus of qualified healthcare workers across the nation cite increased stress, insufficient pay and burnout as their top three reasons for turnover. This is leaving hospitals and healthcare providers with a domino effect that must be addressed to create a healthier workplace that fosters the best patient outcomes. Healthcare workers are more difficult to recruit and retain than in other industries, making it even more crucial to find common ground between management and workforce.

Read the full survey, analysis, and direct quotes from respondents, on Software Advice. Employers can also explore recruiting and HR software on SoftwareAdvice.com.

About Software Advice

Software Advice™ helps businesses navigate the software buying journey. Industry-specific advisors guide people through the selection process and provide personalized software recommendations. Founded in 2005, Software Advice has helped more than 825,000 businesses find the right software for their specific needs through 1-on-1 advice, objective research and actionable insights. Software Advice also features over 1 million verified user reviews to ensure people feel confident in their technology decisions.

Survey Methodology

For the 2021 Healthcare Employee Retention Survey, conducted in October 2021, we used screening questions to capture 987 medical employees (excluding practice owners, founders, and executives) who have been working at a healthcare facility with no more than 20 licensed providers for at least six months.

From there, we further narrowed the respondents down to 278 who have considered leaving their current jobs since the onset of the pandemic, but haven’t yet.