How Healthcare Can Find Its Way Through the Workforce Crisis

"Using a blindfold, I want you to find your way to the front door of the school building," our elementary schoolteacher instructed. This was to teach us what it would be like to live without vision. We lined up on one side of the schoolyard and took turns when the teacher called our name. I watched as my fellow students, one by one, wandered about, never getting close to the school's front door. They eventually were guided along by other teachers. Then came my turn.As I pulled the blindfold over my eyes, I noticed it was windy. I could hear the flag snap in the wind. Recalling that the flagpole was only a few feet away from the door, I followed the sound the flag made. As soon as I touched the flagpole, I turned and walked directly to the door, and excitedly grasped the handle. Our teacher approached me, astonished. "Tresha, how did you do it? How did you find the door so quickly?" he asked. "It was as if you could see." I explained that I used my ears instead of my eyes. In effect, I reimagined my approach.Today, healthcare leaders must reimagine their approach to navigating workforce shortages. Indeed, many methods used prior to the pandemic seem ineffective now. Relying on policymakers or education institutions and simply investing more money in the same solutions may not yield the desired turnaround. Increasing sign-on bonuses may entice potential candidates, but it cannot stem the tide of the Great Resignation.I will describe three workforce practices that have rapidly become ineffective over the duration of the pandemic, then explore ways to rethink the practice and develop a new approach to navigating the workforce shortage.