August 2024 President’s Message

Generation Z having a big impact on healthcare

by Howard Chang, MD —

Generation Z, typically defined as those born between the mid-1990s to about 2010, is entering the healthcare workforce en masse. As a group, Gen Zers have distinct characteristics and preferences when compared with the millennials, Generation X and baby boomers. And these differences are wider than prior generations.

We are amid a shift in workplace culture, and it is being heavily driven by Gen Zers. This shift is impacting all aspects of healthcare, from patient care delivery to workforce resiliency to hospital staffing.

TECHNOLOGY

Growing up, I spent hours playing “The Oregon Trail” on a clunky PC with a 5.25-inch floppy disk. I mastered “Duck Hunt” on the original Nintendo, and eventually dabbled in programming on Pascal. I thought I was computer-savvy.

But today, while I can manage complex medical codes in a bustling emergency department, I just cannot figure out what all the buttons on TikTok and Snapchat do. It’s not from a lack of effort; I do not get it and don’t see the draw.

In contrast, Generation Zers are true digital natives. They were born into a world of cutting-edge technology. Many have never known the era of cassette players and making your own mixtapes, or the days of paper charting and handwritten prescriptions. And I swear, some have never talked to another human being on the phone before, strictly sticking instead to app-based messaging.

Technology isn’t a new frontier for them; it’s integral and integrated into their daily lives. They effortlessly navigate electronic health records, telemedicine platforms and other tech-driven healthcare solutions.

As a result, they have high expectations for modern and efficient technology in their lives and workplaces. They demand fully functioning EHRs, mobile phones that never drop calls, and healthcare facilities with state-of-the-art and user-friendly infrastructure.

Their innate proficiency with technology will drive future healthcare innovation. They will eagerly embrace and adopt the newest medical technology, which may include remote, wearable health monitors, as well as AI-driven analytics and diagnostics. As advocates for cutting-edge tools, Gen Zers will continue to drive healthcare forward, ensuring that the industry evolves with the rapidly advancing digital landscape.

COMMUNICATION

Gen Z prefers direct and transparent communication. Employers must foster open communication in the workplace, provide regular feedback and ensure that leadership is approachable and responsive. There is a strong preference for digital communication methods   such as secure messaging apps and emails   over the traditional face-to-face meetings we all used to love.

Many Gen Zers also prefer visual, concise and instant communication, often peppering their messages with emojis and memes to convey their thoughts, emotions and reactions without a single word.

There’s also a push for more transparency in compensation and benefits by employers ó “things that generations above us were told to keep quiet about or not discuss amongst ourselves, which ultimately benefit the employer,” explained an anonymous Gen Z medical student.

Also, transparently communicating the costs of healthcare service is going to be further emphasized by Gen Z. I’m not saying that in the future you’ll log into an app and search for the best appendectomy prices and surgeon reviews, but it may not be too far off from that.

This generation is also very adept at multitasking digitally, and may find frustration when communication is delayed or responses are slow. You may need to ensure your office responds to your patients’ emails and texts both quickly and concisely. I don’t believe you should use emojis when messaging your patients; however, I’m apparently from a different generation.

WORK-LIFE BALANCE

We all place value on a good work-life balance, but no other generation has this as prioritized as Generation Z. Employers must provide flexible working hours and possibly remote-work opportunities.

While Gen Zers value their personal time and may strive for efficiency in their work, it doesn’t necessarily mean they work fewer hours in an absolute sense. The perception that Gen Zers work fewer hours likely exists because they actively seek out positions that offer flexibility rather than adhering strictly to more traditional schedules. They may be more inclined to blend work into their personal lives and leverage technology to stay connected outside of traditional hours.

Competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits and job security are of utmost importance to this generation as well. Healthcare jobs must offer attractive compensation packages and benefits to appeal to Gen Z workers. Otherwise you’re going to have a high turnover rate.

Gen Zers also place a strong emphasis on mental health and overall wellbeing. They are more open to discussing mental health issues than prior generations and expect employers to be supportive in this arena. Openly discussing one’s mental health challenges and individual therapy appointments at work is already happening today, and it’ll continue to grow. There is additionally a very reasonable expectation that employers provide an inclusive work environment.

INCLUSIVITY AND DIVERSITY

Healthcare organizations must actively foster an inclusive culture, promote diversity in hiring practices, and ensure that all employees feel respected and valued. These practices are highly prioritized by Gen Z, the most diverse generation yet in terms of ethnicity, gender identity and sexual orientation.

Gen Zers expect inclusivity and representation in their healthcare workplaces. When compared with prior generations, they more readily recognize the importance of cultural competency as well, and that quality healthcare respects the diverse backgrounds of our patients. As a result, Gen Z is more likely to seek out employers that provide such training and opportunities to develop these competencies. Healthcare teams that invest in diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) training are more likely to attract and retain Gen Z talent.

In regard to population health, Gen Zers are also keenly aware of health disparities and inequalities to access and outcomes. They will advocate for policies and practices that promote reducing such disparities and ensure more fair access to healthcare services for all, regardless of race, gender identity or socioeconomic status. Gen Zers’ entry into our workforce is bringing with it a strong emphasis on DEI. Their presence will influence healthcare organizations to prioritize these values in workforce development and overall healthcare delivery.

ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY, SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Environmental and social change is a significant focus for Gen Z in healthcare. As a group, Gen Z is deeply concerned about environmental issues such as climate change, pollution and sustainability.

Gen Zers expect healthcare organizations to employ eco-friendly practices and develop sustainability initiatives. These include reducing waste, energy efficiency, sustainable sourcing of supplies, saving the bees and promoting green healthcare practices. OK… saving the bees isn’t necessarily a healthcare initiative, but I slipped it in there because it’s so important!

Gen Z healthcare professionals may advocate for hospitals and clinics to implement environmentally friendly policies and procedures, such as reducing single-use plastics, starting recycling programs and utilizing energy-efficient infrastructure. Considering that Earth is signing its hospice paperwork right now, this focus on environmentalism is an excellent thing. I may not fully adopt all of Gen Z’s priorities, but this is a page I’m going to take from their book.

I hope this primer helps provide some insight on what’s already heading our way.

Lastly, don’t feel bad if you are like me and don’t know how to TikTok your Facebook. We are simply a product of our environment, and we weren’t born into a world of technology. I’ve already realized I can’t beat ‘em, and I am now working hard to join ‘em.

So, if you’ve got a moment, please add me as a friend on my new MySpace account. Snap you later!