Many U.S. healthcare companies—about 67%—report that they're struggling to attract experienced information technology workers, according to a survey.
That's compared with 10% that said they have problems attracting all workers, according to the Towers Watson 2013 Healthcare IT Survey (PDF). Meanwhile, 38% of healthcare companies reported problems with retaining experienced IT workers, compared with 8% reporting problems retaining all types of workers.
The problems may stem from misconceptions about what attracts employees to a healthcare workplace.
“What's clear is that employees are focused on the practical, while employers are focused on the developmental,” said Laurie Bienstock, North American rewards leader at Towers Watson, in a news release. “The good news is that the vast majority of employers are taking steps to close the talent gap, and seek more balance in their employee value proposition and rewards program.”
Employers said that offering “challenging work” was a top factor that attracted workers, while workers attached more value to the employer's reputation. Workers also see base salary as a bigger factor than how employers view pay. The survey included answers from more than 100 healthcare providers given earlier this year.
“But focusing on money is only part of the solution,” said Heidi Toppel, a senior rewards consultant in Towers Watson's hospital industry group, in the release. “Presenting career and growth opportunities remains important as well, and savvy employers will create as comprehensive a program as possible. Our data confirm that IT recruiting in the healthcare industry is a matter of striking the right balance between the practical needs of workers today and the longer-term goal of helping an industry transform itself for a different future.”
Employers are having success with increasing base pay rates, offering retention bonuses while giving workers more educational and training opportunities.
Follow Ashok Selvam on Twitter: @MH_aselvam
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