The healthcare industry is staring down a workforce crisis, and a new Harris Poll survey of more than 1,500 U.S. healthcare employees is sounding the alarm. A striking 70% of Gen Z healthcare workers say they plan to find a new job within the next year — compared to 59% of all healthcare workers — citing a lack of career advancement opportunities and low trust in their employers' commitment to their long-term growth.

The timing couldn't be worse. With most current healthcare professionals — especially physicians and nurses — over the age of 50, the industry is counting on younger workers to fill the gap. But Gen Z isn't sticking around: only about a quarter say they trust their employer has their career growth in mind, and 86% say education or training opportunities are key to their advancement.

The fix, experts say, isn't complicated — but it does require action. Workers want clear career pathways, tuition assistance, and to hear about benefits directly from managers and peers, not just through emails and brochures.

By the Numbers:

• 70% of Gen Z healthcare workers plan to leave their jobs within the next year
• 500,000 projected healthcare worker shortage by 2038
• 86% of Gen Z say education and training opportunities are critical to career advancement
• 47% of employers cite poor career training as a top reason employees leave — yet only 48% have a formalized workforce education strategy

Why it matters: As older healthcare workers retire in growing numbers, retaining Gen Z talent isn't just a nice-to-have — it's essential to keeping the healthcare system functional. Employers who fail to invest in career development risk accelerating a workforce shortage that could affect patient care nationwide.