Healthcare workers report higher job mobility than employers estimate

The 2026 Healthcare Workforce Barometer, released by The Harris Poll, reveals a significant gap between healthcare employees' intentions and employer perceptions regarding job mobility. Approximately 59% of U.S. healthcare workers report they are likely to look for new roles, interview, or switch jobs within the next year. In contrast, employers surveyed estimated that only 39% of their staff would seek new opportunities.

Regarding organizational loyalty, 42% of workers indicated they are likely to look for employment outside their current organization, while employers estimated this figure at 32%. The report notes that 51% of employers identified burnout and emotional fatigue as primary reasons for staff departures, marking a 15-point increase from the previous year. Additionally, 47% of employers cited a lack of career advancement or professional development opportunities.

Retention is a major concern, with 97% of employers labeling it a high or medium priority. Younger employees appear to be the most difficult to retain; 70% of Gen Z workers expect to look for a new role in the coming year. These findings coincide with projections from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) suggesting a shortage of nearly 500,000 critical healthcare workers by 2038.