Changes in Healthcare Workforce Supply and Demand

Andrew P. Doro
3 min readMar 7, 2023

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The supply and demand of the healthcare workforce are crucial in determining whether a nation has sufficient doctors to offer healthcare to its people. This essay investigates some of the most significant workforce trends and problems. As a result of medical advancements, individuals now live longer and have more complicated requirements, necessitating an increased need for specialists to cover vacancies among primary care physicians. In addition, the aging of the baby boomer generation might result in a need for physicians in several disciplines.

The importance of investing in health and well-being management for the healthcare staff is growing. It is a proven method for increasing employee morale and engagement, productivity, retention, and organizational culture.

In addition to enhancing the health and well-being of employees, investing in a comprehensive worksite well-being program may lower healthcare costs. According to recent research, a corporation may save up to $3.27 for every dollar invested in a workplace wellness program.

As a result, a growing number of organizations are placing Chief Health Officers or Chief Medical Officers in charge of employee health management. They are often former physicians or trained well-being professionals who handle several programs, such as work-from-home solutions and burnout management.

It is common knowledge that employees flourish in healthy workplaces. They are more efficient, happier, and less stressed. Workers frequently bring their own experiences and expectations to the workplace. People may get dissatisfied and believe that their effort is only valued if the deadline is fulfilled.

Employers must comply with fundamental safety and health laws, but there are several more methods to ensure a healthy workplace. They may include offering a variety of wellness opportunities, allowing employees to take advantage of work/life/health perks, and promoting improved eating habits, regular exercise, and other healthy behaviors.

A healthy workplace requires a culture in which employees are treated with respect and given the autonomy to perform their best job. It also helps if they are permitted to speak their ideas and have the opportunity to be heard, which may decrease stress and boost morale in the workplace.

Employee engagement and morale are essential components of a productive healthcare staff. Employees who are engaged are driven to assist the business in achieving its objectives and offering exceptional patient care.

Investing in the health and well-being of the healthcare staff may minimize employee turnover, foster positive working relationships, and increase patient satisfaction. Conversely, disengaged individuals have low morale and are more prone to disseminate negative signals to other team members, resulting in decreased productivity and increased absenteeism.

In addition, if frontline healthcare employees have training and development opportunities, they may feel more devoted to their professions. This helps individuals acquire the skills and information necessary to execute their professions more effectively and boosts their confidence in their career growth prospects.

Investing in training and development is vital for ensuring that your healthcare team is current with the most recent industry standards. It will be capable of providing the greatest possible care. It also makes your staff feel appreciated by the firm and demonstrates your commitment to their development.

A well-trained healthcare personnel improves patient safety, boosts employee morale and productivity, reduces employee turnover, and promotes a healthy workplace. In addition, businesses with specialized training programs had lower absenteeism and higher earnings than those without.

Nonetheless, the scarcity of qualified healthcare professionals remains a global concern. According to the World Health Organization and the World Bank, the world population will require 18 million healthcare professionals by 2030.

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Andrew P. Doro

Andrew P. Doro is Founder, President and CEO of Millbrook Support Services.