Hospital and health system workforces now span five generations, from entry-level employees to those nearing retirement. Demographic shifts and evolving generational priorities are influencing how organizations recruit, retain and plan for leadership succession.
Nine things to know:
1. Gen X skipped for CEO roles. Some organizations are bypassing Generation X CEO candidates in favor of millennials as baby boomers retire. Timing may play a role; during the pandemic, many organizations leaned on baby boomers’ experience but are now turning toward younger leaders amid the rise of artificial intelligence.
2. “The Great Stay” for Gen Z. In their first seven years in the workforce, Generation Z employees are staying with their organizations 18% longer than millennials did — more in line with Gen X and baby boomers.
3. Baby boomers delaying retirement. Nearly 20% of Americans 65 and older remain employed, almost double the rate from 35 years ago. While many are not interested in retiring fully, some are open to reduced workloads.
4. Gen Z workplace expectations. The youngest healthcare workers want clear career pathways, work-life balance, financial wellness, and a sense of belonging and purpose in their work.
5. Aging population challenges. Within a decade, older Americans are projected to outnumber children for the first time in U.S. history. Health systems are bracing for potential simultaneous retirements of experienced employees, while declining birth rates and longer life spans are prompting stronger workforce pipeline partnerships and expanded benefits.
6. Cross-generational friction. Forty-five percent of baby boomers said they have no challenges working with other generations, compared to just 17% of Gen Z respondents.
7. Millennials rising in leadership. Millennials are on track to outnumber Gen Xers in leadership roles across industries in 2025, according to LinkedIn.
8. Generational views on AI. Gen Z is most likely to doubt AI will affect their jobs, while millennials and Gen X were least likely to doubt AI’s impact on their jobs.
9. Gen X feels change fatigue. Sixty-seven percent of Gen X professionals say they are overwhelmed by how quickly their job is changing.
