Lessons in Healthcare Leadership Development
As Generation Z (Gen Z) enters the healthcare workforce, leaders in the industry are confronted with unique challenges and opportunities. Born between the late 1990s and early 2010s, Gen Z represents a generation that has grown up in an entirely digital world, values inclusivity, and prioritizes personal well-being. Their expectations of the workplace, including healthcare, differ from those of previous generations, making it essential for healthcare leaders to adapt their management strategies to meet the needs and expectations of this new cohort.
This blog will explore Gen Z’s defining characteristics, their expectations in the healthcare workplace, and specific leadership advice for managing and motivating this new generation of healthcare professionals.
Who is Gen Z?
To effectively lead Gen Z in healthcare, it’s important first to understand their defining characteristics:
Digital Natives
Gen Z is the first generation to have grown up with smartphones, social media, and the internet as integral parts of their lives. They are comfortable with technology and expect digital solutions in their work. In the healthcare industry, they will likely gravitate toward and wish to use the latest medical technologies, electronic health records (EHRs), telemedicine platforms, and AI-driven diagnostics.
Value-Driven
This generation values social justice, environmental sustainability, and ethical behavior highly. Gen Z employees seek to work for organizations that align with their values and prioritize mission-driven work over financial incentives. In healthcare, this often means wanting to work in settings that emphasize patient-centered care, equity in access to health services, and a commitment to improving public health outcomes.
Focused on Work-Life Balance
Gen Z places a greater emphasis on work-life balance compared to previous generations. While hardworking and driven, they are also cautious about burnout and prioritize mental health. This focus on well-being is particularly relevant in the high-stress healthcare industry, where burnout rates are already high among all age groups.
Diverse and Inclusive
Gen Z is the most diverse generation to date in terms of ethnicity, gender identity, and sexual orientation. They value inclusivity and expect their workplace to reflect that. Healthcare leaders must be prepared to cultivate inclusive work environments that celebrate diversity, provide equal opportunities, and respect different viewpoints.
Entrepreneurial Mindset
Gen Z tends to be entrepreneurial and values autonomy. Many in this generation have grown up during economic uncertainty and have developed a strong sense of self-reliance. They are attracted to leadership opportunities, creative problem-solving roles, and the ability to innovate within their positions.
Expectations of Gen Z in the Healthcare Workforce
Gen Z brings high expectations for their work environments when entering the healthcare field. Understanding these expectations is crucial for healthcare leaders who want to attract, retain, and motivate Gen Z talent. Some of their key expectations include:
Technology Integration
Gen Z expects healthcare organizations to be technologically advanced. They want seamless integration of electronic health records, advanced medical devices, telehealth services, and AI-powered tools in their daily work. They are more likely to be frustrated by outdated systems and cumbersome processes that hinder productivity.
Continuous Learning and Development
This generation values personal growth and continuous learning. Gen Z healthcare professionals are eager to acquire new skills, receive mentorship, and be provided with opportunities for career advancement. They are drawn to healthcare organizations that offer clear pathways for professional development, including certifications, leadership training, and opportunities to work in cutting-edge medical fields.
Flexibility and Work-Life Balance
Gen Z expects flexibility in their work schedules. Whether it’s the ability to work remotely when possible (for administrative or telehealth roles) or having more control over shift scheduling, they prioritize flexibility to maintain work-life balance. Given the demanding nature of healthcare, where long hours and irregular shifts are joint, offering flexibility can be a challenge—but one that leaders must address to retain Gen Z talent.
Collaborative and Inclusive Work Culture
Gen Z values collaboration and teamwork and seeks inclusive and supportive workplace cultures. They expect leaders to foster environments where all voices are heard and diversity of thought is encouraged. In healthcare, this means creating interdisciplinary teams where collaboration between doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals is not only expected but celebrated.
Transparency and Authenticity
Gen Z employees expect transparency from their leaders, particularly regarding organizational decisions, policies, and career progression opportunities. They are more likely to be loyal to leaders who are authentic, approachable, and willing to engage in open dialogue.
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Leadership Advice for Managing Gen Z in Healthcare
To successfully lead and manage Gen Z in the healthcare industry, leaders must adapt their management styles to meet the needs and preferences of this new generation. Here are some key leadership strategies that can help:
Embrace Technology and Innovation
One of the most effective ways to engage Gen Z in healthcare is by leveraging their comfort and expertise with technology. Healthcare leaders should ensure that their organizations are equipped with modern tools and systems that enhance patient care and make the work environment more efficient and enjoyable for staff.
Actionable Tips:
- Invest in the latest healthcare technologies, such as AI diagnostic tools, wearable health devices, and telehealth platforms.
- Involve Gen Z employees in technology-related decision-making processes; they may have insights into optimizing workflows through technology.
- Provide ongoing training and certification programs for staff to stay updated on new medical technologies.
Prioritize Career Development
Gen Z healthcare workers want to grow in their careers and expect their employers to invest in their professional development. Leaders should create clear career development paths that allow employees to advance their skills and move into leadership roles over time.
Actionable Tips:
- Offer health leadership development or mentorship programs that pair Gen Z employees with experienced healthcare professionals.
- Provide opportunities for continuing education, including paid time off for attending conferences, pursuing certifications, or engaging in specialized training programs.
- Set up regular check-ins to discuss career goals and provide actionable feedback for growth.
Promote Flexibility and Well-being
Work-life balance is critical to Gen Z, and healthcare leaders should take proactive steps to address burnout, stress, and workload challenges. Given the demanding nature of healthcare, finding ways to offer flexibility can improve job satisfaction and retention among Gen Z workers.
Actionable Tips:
- Offer flexible work schedules, such as staggered shifts or job-sharing arrangements, where possible.
- Encourage work-life balance by creating a culture that values time off and mental health support.
- Implement wellness programs, such as stress management workshops, access to mental health resources, and regular team-building activities to promote well-being.
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Foster an Inclusive Workplace Culture
Healthcare leaders need to create an environment that reflects Gen Z’s values of diversity and inclusion. Gen Z healthcare workers want to feel that they are part of an organization that respects and celebrates all backgrounds, perspectives, and identities.
Actionable Tips:
- Develop and implement diversity and inclusion initiatives beyond compliance and genuinely foster a culture of belonging.
- Encourage open discussions around topics like cultural competency in patient care and the importance of inclusivity in healthcare.
- Provide unconscious bias training for staff and ensure that recruitment and promotion processes are equitable.
Encourage Collaboration and Autonomy
Gen Z thrives in collaborative environments but also values autonomy. Healthcare leaders can meet this need by fostering teamwork while giving employees the freedom to make decisions and take ownership of their work.
Actionable Tips:
- Create interdisciplinary teams where collaboration between different healthcare professionals is encouraged and supported.
- Allow Gen Z employees to take the lead on certain projects or initiatives, empowering them to exercise leadership skills early in their careers.
- Encourage innovation by providing platforms for employees to share their ideas on improving patient care or optimizing operational processes.
- Hospital coaching can aid in departmental healthcare leadership development and work with team members to achieve goals.
Communicate with Transparency and Authenticity
Gen Z values honesty and transparency from their leaders. Healthcare leaders should engage in open communication, be upfront about organizational changes, and provide regular updates on policies that affect staff.
Actionable Tips:
- Hold regular town hall meetings or team discussions to inform employees about organizational developments.
- Create an open-door policy where Gen Z employees feel comfortable approaching leadership with questions, concerns, or feedback.
- Be authentic in your leadership style—show vulnerability when necessary, admit mistakes, and highlight areas for organizational improvement.
Support Social Responsibility Initiatives
Gen Z strongly emphasizes social justice, and they want to work for organizations that make a positive impact on society. Healthcare leaders should consider ways to align their organization’s goals with broader societal issues, such as reducing health disparities or contributing to community health initiatives.
Actionable Tips:
- Partner with community organizations to offer free or low-cost healthcare services to underserved populations.
- Implement sustainability practices within your healthcare organization, such as reducing waste, using energy-efficient equipment, or supporting environmentally friendly initiatives.
- Engage Gen Z employees in discussions about how the organization can contribute to health equity and social justice.
Healthcare Leadership Development
Managing Gen Z in the healthcare industry requires leaders to adapt their strategies to meet the needs of a generation that values technology, inclusivity, well-being, and purpose-driven work. By embracing innovation, fostering inclusivity, supporting career development, and promoting work-life balance, healthcare leaders can create a workplace environment that attracts and retains Gen Z talent.
This new generation is poised to bring fresh perspectives, technological savvy, and a passion for social responsibility to the healthcare industry. Leaders who take the time to understand and cater to Gen Z’s values and expectations will not only build stronger teams but also position their organizations to thrive in an increasingly dynamic healthcare landscape.
As the President of Kashbox Coaching my mission is to empower leaders by highlighting their unique strengths and unlocking their leadership potential – to develop all quadrants of their Kashbox (Knowledge, Attitude, Skills, Habits)!
For over 15 years, Hannah Kay Herdlinger has empowered individuals to unlock their full potential and design fulfilling careers and lives. She championed leadership at Sheryl Sandberg’s Lean In and Arianna Huffington’s Thrive Global.
The Kashbox method, created by the founder of Kashbox Coaching, offers leaders a unique path to success and positive change. It goes beyond traditional coaching by integrating leadership development, resilience training, and the power of connection to elevate client experiences.
Hannah Kay’s passion is igniting positive and lasting transformations. Through executive, corporate, and individual coaching, she helps clients align professionally. Her journey is a testament to the transformative power of coaching. Her unwavering commitment to empowering others is evident in her own growth and the success of her clients.
