the future of healthcare is calling: why hospitals must attract gen z talent.

Gen Z has grown up with technology integrated into every aspect of their lives. This innate digital literacy makes them ideal talent for embracing and optimising the increasing use of technology in hospitals, from electronic health records (EHRs), to digital care plans and smart monitoring systems. They can drive efficiency, improve data management, and enhance patient experiences through technological innovation.

More than any preceding generation, Gen Z seeks purpose and impact in their work. They are deeply concerned with social responsibility and making a positive difference in the world. Healthcare, at its core, is about providing compassionate and essential human connection – a mission that strongly resonates with Gen Z's values. Highlighting the profound impact they can have on the lives of patients and their families is a powerful motivator. The Randstad Workmonitor 2025 report highlights this, with nearly half (48%) of talent stating they would not accept a role if the company's social and environmental values did not align with their own.

Gen Z brings new ideas, energy, and diverse perspectives to the workplace. Their ability to think creatively and challenge traditional norms can lead to innovative solutions in care delivery, patient engagement, and hospital management. This fresh outlook can revitalise clinical environments and foster a culture of continuous improvement.

This generation is keen on learning and career advancement. They are not looking for just a job, but a career pathway with opportunities for skill development, training, and promotion. Investing in their professional growth can foster loyalty and build a highly skilled workforce for the future. Randstad’s Workmonitor report found that 41% of employees would quit if they weren't provided with opportunities to future-proof their careers, a significant increase from previous years, emphasising Gen Z's non-negotiable demand for learning and development.

Gen Z is the most diverse generation yet, and they expect workplaces that reflect and embrace this diversity. Their emphasis on inclusion can enrich the hospital environment, creating a more welcoming and understanding space for both patients and staff. According to Randstad's research, 83% of employees want their workplace to foster a sense of belonging, and over half (55%) are willing to leave if they don't feel they fit in, underscoring the importance of an inclusive culture.

• Highlight the "Why": Shift the focus from the tasks of a hospital role to the profound human connection and positive impact caregivers have on patients’ lives. Use storytelling, testimonials from current staff, and real-life examples to illustrate the meaningfulness of the work.
• Emphasise Social Responsibility: Showcase any community outreach programs, ethical practices, or initiatives that demonstrate your hospital’s commitment to social good. As the Workmonitor report indicates, Gen Z highly values employers whose social and environmental values align with their own.

• Mobile-Friendly Applications: Ensure your application process is streamlined, intuitive, and fully optimised for mobile devices. Gen Z expects a seamless digital experience.
• Leverage Social Media: Go beyond traditional platforms. Utilise video-based platforms like TikTok and Instagram to create engaging content that showcases your hospital’s culture, employee experiences, and the positive aspects of healthcare work. 
• Modern Workplace Technology: Invest in user-friendly digital tools for care planning, communication, and administration. Gen Z expects technology to make their work more efficient and allow them to focus on direct care.

• Flexible Scheduling: Explore options for flexible shifts, part-time roles, and even job-sharing to accommodate Gen Z's strong desire for work-life balance. Giving them a say in their schedule can be a significant draw. The Randstad Workmonitor 2025 reveals that for the first time in its 22-year history, work-life balance (83%) has surpassed pay (82%) as the top motivator for workers globally. For Gen Z, this gap is even wider, with 76% prioritising work-life balance over pay (63%).
• Respect Time Off: Demonstrate a clear respect for employees' time away from work. Encourage them to take breaks and use their leave, setting a positive example from leadership. The Workmonitor report also noted that 31% of employees have left jobs due to a lack of flexible working arrangements, a figure even higher for younger workers.

• Clear Career Pathways: Outline clear opportunities for advancement and professional growth within your hospital. Gen Z wants to know they have a future with your organisation.
• Training and Upskilling: Offer robust training programs, mentorship opportunities, and support for further education. Highlight opportunities for specialisation (e.g. specialised certifications) and promotion. The Randstad Workmonitor 2025 highlights that 44% of talent would not accept a job without opportunities to develop future-relevant skills, and 41% would quit if no learning and development opportunities were offered. This strongly indicates Gen Z's eagerness for continuous learning.
• Regular Feedback and Coaching: Gen Z thrives on feedback. Implement regular check-ins, performance reviews, and coaching sessions to support their development and ensure they feel valued.

• Transparency and Open Communication: Foster an environment where employees feel heard and informed. Gen Z values transparency in decision-making. The Randstad Workmonitor 2025 found that 29% of talent have quit a job because they disagreed with the viewpoints or stances of their leadership.
• Peer Support and Team Building: Facilitate opportunities for collaboration, social events, and team-building activities. Gen Z seeks strong relationships with their peers and a sense of belonging. The Randstad report underscores that 83% of employees believe a sense of community helps them perform better, and 55% would quit if they didn't feel they belonged.
• Mental Health Support: Prioritise employee well-being by offering access to mental health resources, counseling services, and stress management programs. The Randstad Workmonitor 2025 identifies mental health support as even more important than salary for Gen Z, with 66% seeing it as a high priority.
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI): Actively promote diversity in your hiring practices and ensure your workplace is truly inclusive for all employees, regardless of background.