WASHINGTON — A new Harris Poll released Wednesday highlights a looming retention challenge for the nation’s health‑care sector. The survey, which asked 1,514 health‑care employees and 304 employers about their career plans, found that roughly 70% of Generation Z workers – those born between 1997 and 2012 – expect to look for a new position within the next year.

Desire for Advancement Coexists With Long‑Term Stability Goals

Even as the younger cohort signals a willingness to move, 65% of those respondents also said they hope to stay with a single employer for five years or more. Nearly all participants emphasized that job stability remains a top priority, suggesting that career growth opportunities, rather than a simple desire to change jobs, are driving the turnover intent.

Broader Workforce Trends

Across all age groups, the poll revealed that 59% of health‑care workers anticipate seeking a new role within the coming year. The findings arrive as the industry confronts a projected shortfall of almost 500,000 workers by 2038, a gap driven by an aging labor force and rising demand for services.

Employer Perspectives on Retention

When asked about the reasons behind employee departures, nearly half of the surveyed employers identified a lack of career growth or training as the primary factor. Only about one in four workers expressed confidence that their employer would invest in their future, underscoring a perceived gap between employee expectations and organizational support.

Artificial Intelligence Skills in Flux

The survey also touched on the evolving role of artificial intelligence (AI) in health‑care staffing. While 79% of employers said AI skills would be critical for employees to remain competitive, this figure represents a decline from 89% a year earlier, indicating a possible reassessment of AI’s immediate impact on workforce planning.

Implications for Policy and Practice

These data suggest that health‑care leaders may need to prioritize clear pathways for professional development and robust training programs to retain younger talent. By aligning career advancement opportunities with the stability that Gen Z workers value, employers could mitigate the looming staffing shortfall and ensure continuity of care for patients nationwide.

The survey was conducted online between June 12 and July 1, and its results reflect the views of a nationally representative sample of health‑care employees and employers.

Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.