Motivating the millennial generation

As the healthcare industry is changing, so is its workforce. As recruiters, we come across a variety of styles and attitudes among doctors and nurses entering the profession. That’s not surprising considering that millennials now make up about one-third of the overall workforce in the U.S.

While the term “millennial” often brings to mind a set of stereotypes – sometimes not such positive ones – there are a number of advantages that can be found with the incoming generation of clinical practitioners. Most obviously, they’re tech-savvy. But beyond that, millennials can be very dedicated when they’re properly engaged and believe in what they’re doing.

If your medical facility is ready to embrace the millennial workforce, start by understanding where they’re coming from. Millennials have different work styles and preferences, as well as career goals and expectations, compared to your more senior staff.

Consider these ideas to start shifting your mindset:

  • A recent Business Journal article emphasizes the importance of employee engagement, citing a Gallup study on millennial behavior.
  • Consider a mentorship approach to ensure that new physicians, PAs and FNPs acquire some of the critical insights of the medical profession that your most effective senior providers have experienced – such as the importance of developing patient relationships and practicing empathy.
  • Take a hard look at your own hiring, mentoring and incentive practices. Don’t be stubbornly stuck in the old way of doing things. You can re-invent your HR approach to get the most out of the next generation of medical professionals.
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