In the cover story of this month’s ADVANCE for Medical Laboratory Professionals e-Magazine, Jordan Search Consultants’ Kathy Jordan and Regina Levison tackle the intricacies of “Recruiting and Retaining in the Clinically Integrated Care Era.” Jordan and Levison provide an in-depth analysis of the personality traits of each generation, and how to effectively recruit, onboard and retain Traditionalists, Baby Boomers, Gen Xers and Millennials.
While traditionalists are aging out of the workforce, they still represent 5% of workers in clinical labs. Traditionalists are looking to end their careers on a high note, and value accountability and a flexible work schedule. Offering leadership roles, solid compensation and information systems support can win over this hard-working generation.
Representing about half of healthcare professionals, Baby Boomers are looking for balance, as they fill many clinical laboratory leadership roles, and simultaneously embrace family-friendly workplaces, career success and earning potential. Outlining how they can be a part of something exciting and new to them, as well as goals and advancement opportunities will manage their expectations.
According to Jordan and Levison, Gen X values their personal lives over their professional lives, and they crave independence, information and feedback. Demonstrating your organization is innovative and open to new ideas can attract these workers, while training them for advancement can keep them happy.
Millennials are the fastest growing segment of the workforce, and look for autonomy, positive reinforcement, instant gratification and validation. “Driven by empathy and a need for purpose, they are also extremely comfortable with technology and eager to learn,” Jordan and Levison wrote. Incentives like loan repayment can attract them to an organization, while exclusive onboarding, authentic corporate culture and mentoring can be the key to keeping this elusive group.
The different priorities, goals and measures of success certainly highlight the challenges of coming together as a team, but understanding what motivates multigenerational healthcare professionals can only lead to increased collaboration and better patient care.
