Riding the wave: what health care can learn from other industries

Many staffing challenges face 21st century health-care employers. If a rising tide lifts all ships, then tidal surges and currents also affect all ships. Recruitment and retention represent two major human resources issues facing employers. Economic downturns, the rising cost of postsecondary education, competition for the best graduates, reduced desire to accept relocations, forced overtime and shift work, and the graying of the workforce are some of the challenges faced by employers. Another challenge is the lack of loyalty in today's business world. Corporations and nonprofits both show reduced loyalty to employees, who, in turn, limit their willingness to remain loyal to one employer. Competition for a shrinking pool of workers results in employees being more selective about where to begin their careers and being less loyal once they arrive. These factors negatively affect productivity and make it increasingly imperative for employers to understand how best to recruit and to retain the most talented workers they can find. Health care and other industries should be prepared for the surging tides of change.