What You Should Know About Gen Z and Millennial Healthcare Workers

Nov 17, 2021

Millennial [ mil-len-ee-uhl ] noun:

A person born between 1980 and 1996.

Generation Z [ jen-uh-rey-shuhn zee ] noun:

A person born between 1997 and 2012.

Comprising about 42% of the U.S. population, it’s time for hospitals to create a work environment centered around millennial and gen z healthcare workers. What was important to baby boomers and gen x may not appeal to the emerging workforce. Here’s what you need to know about recruiting the next generation of providers:

They Expect Salary Transparency

Money is no longer a private conversation. One report found that 58% of employees would switch jobs for more pay transparency. For gen z, that number jumps up to 70%. The best way to implement this in healthcare recruiting is to include salary in your job listings. Studies suggest that including pay increases your applications by 30%. When you consider there’s a growing healthcare provider shortage, it’s important to give yourself a competitive edge. Even if your salary isn’t as high as other facilities, including the salary ensures you don’t waste your time interviewing candidates with different expectations.

Your Facility’s Values Matter

65% of gen z wants to “make a difference to a cause they care about.” As an employer, you have the opportunity to fill that desire for the next generation of healthcare providers. Obviously, healthcare providers have already chosen a career path that makes a difference. But don’t rest on that alone. To compete with other facilities, millennials and gen z want to know what you’re passionate about. Dedication to a diverse workplace, providing care to underserved populations, or perhaps research into a specific disease—you don’t need to implement a big change at your facility. But do some research into good causes your hospital supports and be sure to highlight it in job listings.

They Want Clear Job Descriptions/Benefits

Millenials and gen z want to know exactly what to expect before they get involved with an employer. Both generations have had access to the internet from a young age, meaning they’re used to having instant access to the information they want. Employers who provide detailed job information upfront increase their number of applicants. 

Already have a full staff but want to ensure they stick around?** Check out our post about retaining healthcare providers.**


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