Here are six of those strategies, according to a report from consulting firm McKinsey & Co.:
- Each local and state health department should take an individualized approach to staffing and role placement, reimagining the way public health can be done.
- Think creatively about how and where to use resources, sharing resources between state and local jurisdictions to broaden access to top talent.
- Broaden the search for talent by increasing diverse recruitment, look at talent pipelines and do away with rigid, traditional job descriptions and requirements.
- Focus on staff retention by increasing benefits, taking active interest in employee mental health and investing in increasing employee skills.
- As public health leaders have quit in droves during the pandemic, cultivating strong leadership through upskilling or external recruitment is essential.
- Given that the pandemic had a disproportionate effect on certain demographic groups, such as Black and Hispanic people, ensure your workforce reflects the truth of public health. Diverse teams also help build trust in those communities who are worst hit by public health disasters.
