Executives at the HealthLeaders Workforce Decision Makers Exchange explored multi-pronged strategies for strengthening long-term workforce sustainability.
Hospital executives recognize that the long-term viability of their organizations will always depend on their people, making it vital to stay ahead of the curve for improving the workforce.
With labor pressures continuing to pose a challenge, hospital and health system leaders gathered at the HealthLeaders Workforce Decision Makers Exchange in Boston last week to share strategies for attracting and retaining talent in an increasingly shifting and competitive market.
Over two days of discussions, a common theme emerged of organizations needing to evolve on multiple fronts to build a sustainable workforce for the future.
Creating Culture and Brand Alignment
Leaders underscored that reputation and culture alone are no longer enough to attract employees, while agreeing that multi-hospital systems should strive for internal alignment to prevent competition within their own networks and create a shared identity.
To actively communicate culture through modern employer branding, attendees shared strategies such as monitoring online sentiment, engaging with social media conversations, and empowering employees to authentically tell their organization’s story.
Generational change is also reshaping expectations around work. With up to five generations now represented in the workforce, factors like flexibility and purpose are driving employment decisions more than pay alone.
Several executives noted efforts to engage younger generations through partnerships with schools, student programs, and family-based outreach, including hiring high school students for entry roles and connecting with parents to promote healthcare careers.
Utilizing AI and Digital Tools Consciously
Technology, and especially AI, emerged as both an opportunity and a caution for leaders.
In a masterclass led by Ben Eubanks, author and chief research officer at Lighthouse Research & Advisory, participants explored how AI can help forecast hiring needs, and free up capacity for HR and leadership teams.
However, executives were also warned of the risks of overreliance, from deepfake interviews to the erosion of early-career learning opportunities.
The takeaway was that AI should enhance decision-making and efficiency while preserving human connection and creative thought. The question is no longer “can AI do this?” but “should AI do this?”
Balancing Workforce Investment and Financial Reality
The Exchange’s second day brought the financial aspect into focus. With post-pandemic pay rate competition still straining budgets, leaders discussed how to balance compensation with sustainable staffing models.
Nursing leaders in particular called for a fundamental shift in how nursing productivity and value are measured. Current benchmarking models, they said, often fail to capture the full scope of nursing work, creating unrealistic productivity expectations and cost-center perceptions. Redefining those metrics is essential to building financial models that reflect clinical contributions and support staffing levels.
Across all discussions, supporting the workforce already in place was a recurring priority. Leaders stressed that the best retention strategy begins with care for current employees by ensuring safety, recognition, and opportunities for growth. Examples ranged from leadership “walk-alongs” with frontline staff to recognition initiatives celebrating excellence and teamwork.
From redefining career pathways and expanding graduate medical education programs, to modernizing brand storytelling and using AI responsibly, the Exchange highlighted that workforce transformation is a strategic imperative.
Are you an executive leader interested in attending an upcoming event? To inquire about attending the HealthLeaders Exchange event, email us at exchange@healthleadersmedia.com.
The HealthLeaders Exchange is an executive community for sharing ideas, solutions, and insights. Please join the community at the LinkedIn page.
Jay Asser is the CEO editor for HealthLeaders.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Culture and reputation must be actively communicated through consistent branding and employee storytelling.
AI offers new efficiencies but must be applied thoughtfully to preserve human connection and learning.
Redefining productivity metrics and investing in retention are essential for aligning financial health with workforce wellbeing.