Healthcare workers want education benefits
A recent survey reveals that today’s healthcare employees want upskilling and training benefits.
A recent Harris Poll survey commissioned by Strategic Education, Inc. reveals that healthcare workers feel exhausted, undervalued, and unprepared—and many are considering leaving their jobs. The survey’s clearest takeaway: Education benefits and skill-building opportunities are becoming essential tools for retaining employees.
More than half of healthcare workers say they plan to look for, interview for, or switch to a new role within the next year. Yet 63% say they’d be more likely to stay if their employer offered tuition support, and over 80% believe employers should invest in their education. With experts predicting a shortage of nearly 700,000 critical healthcare workers—including physicians, RNs, and LPNs—by 2037, employers face urgent decisions about how to better support and stabilize their workforce.
These trends reflect a broader shift in the modern workforce: Employees across industries want mobility and expect meaningful investment in their growth. Organizations slow to meet these expectations risk losing top talent to competitors who do. As employers develop strategic education programs, several factors are especially relevant today.
A TOUGH ECONOMY IS DRIVING UPSKILLING
Over one-third of healthcare workers say today’s economic pressures make furthering their education feel more important. However, many hesitate to pursue training because they want to avoid student debt—58% say they’re reluctant to take on loans, and two-thirds say their income doesn’t allow them to pay upfront for education.
Employers can eliminate these barriers by offering upfront tuition assistance instead of reimbursement and by providing flexible learning options that fit employees’ schedules. This approach makes upskilling more accessible to everyone.
GEN Z EXPECTS EDUCATION BENEFITS
While 39% of all employees cite education benefits as a reason to stay with their employer, that number jumps to 61% among Gen Z. Nearly 90% of Gen Z employees say they are interested in employer-paid education programs.
Yet a significant communication gap persists: Only 54% of healthcare workers say their employer offers education benefits, while 75% of employers say they do. Effective programs require consistent communication and alignment so employees understand what’s available and employers understand what workers need.
AI IS RAISING THE STAKES
AI is rapidly reshaping healthcare, and workers feel pressure to upskill. The survey found that AI is the top technical skill employees expect to need in the next five years, yet only 41% feel comfortable using AI tools today.
Healthcare employers agree—92% say AI training is a top priority—but 60% struggle to find the right resources to support on-the-job learning. Across industries, employers aiming to prepare their workforce for an AI-driven future may need to rely on third-party experts and flexible training options to bridge these gaps.
Despite the unique challenges facing healthcare, the survey highlights universal truths about today’s workforce. Employees want to keep learning, feel confident in their roles, and be prepared for the future—especially as disruptive technologies like AI accelerate change.
When employers invest in education and skill development, employees feel valued and motivated. As the survey suggests, organizations that prioritize learning and growth will be better positioned to retain talent and build a more committed, future-ready workforce.