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Major Benefits Challenges Facing the Healthcare Industry
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CIO Applications | Thursday, March 31, 2022

Healthcare is possibly one of the most stressful professions. Doctors had the highest suicide rate of any profession even before the COVID-19 pandemic, owing largely to depression and other mental health issues.
Fremont, CA: Offering cost-effective benefits is critical for any organization, but healthcare employers face a special set of challenges. Not only has the COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on healthcare organizations, but they must also attract and retain healthcare talent while providing comprehensive benefits to meet changing employee needs.
Here are the top benefits challenges facing healthcare employers today:
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Healthcare Talent Shortages
According to a recent study, demand for healthcare workers will outstrip supply by 2025, resulting in shortages in positions such as nursing assistants, home health aides, and medical technicians. On the surface, the healthcare talent shortage appears to be more of a talent acquisition challenge, but it is also a benefits challenge. Benefits will be a top way for healthcare employers to differentiate themselves from the pack as the need to compete for scarce talent grows.
According to research, when considering job opportunities, in-demand candidates will increasingly consider the quality and cost of benefits. According to a recent survey, 60 percent of job seekers said benefits were a major factor in deciding whether to accept a job offer. To have the best chance of attracting enough qualified candidates, healthcare employers must provide competitive benefits that cater to a wide range of candidate needs and preferences. Employers must consider supplemental benefits such as reimbursement for home office improvements, childcare assistance, and pet insurance in addition to traditional medical benefits.
Increasing Demand for Mental Health Services
Healthcare is possibly one of the most stressful professions. Doctors had the highest suicide rate of any profession even before the COVID-19 pandemic, owing largely to depression and other mental health issues. Burnout and depression have become more common as a result of the toll COVID-19 has taken on emergency room and critical care workers.
Healthcare employers, like those in other industries, must provide benefits that address their employees' mental health needs. In addition to traditional delivery methods, it will be crucial to expand telehealth and EAP programs to provide mental health support.
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