September 18, 2025
Taken for Granted: 84% of Healthcare Workers Say They’re Burnt Out
Most (84%) healthcare workers say they feel taken for granted. More than half admit they are actively considering a job change within the next year. These aren’t just numbers on a page, but a brewing crisis for America’s healthcare system. A new Harris Poll survey finds that five years after the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the nation’s frontline caregivers remain burnt out, stretched thin, and increasingly tempted to walk away.
At the same time, the U.S. faces a looming shortage of nearly 700,000 critical healthcare workers by 2037—a gap that includes physicians, registered nurses, and licensed practical nurses, according to the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). This shortage is already acute in rural regions, where two-thirds of counties qualify as Health Professional Shortage Areas, meaning demand for care outpaces the available workforce.
“This research paints an alarming picture of a workforce at a crossroads experiencing high burnout, accelerating turnover, and intensifying demands,” said Jennifer Musil, Global President of Research at The Harris Poll. “Given the unprecedented need for care driven by the aging Baby Boomer population, these findings offer critical insights into how to better retain, support, and prepare the people at the heart of our nation’s healthcare system.”
A Workforce at a Breaking Point
The survey highlights that healthcare workers feel undervalued, unsupported, and unconvinced that their employers are invested in their long-term careers. Fewer than one in three report feeling “very valued” by their organisations, and only 20% believe their employer is committed to their career growth beyond their current role.
The generational divide makes the problem even sharper. Gen Z and Millennial employees, the very workers most needed to stabilise the pipeline, are also the most likely to consider leaving. Nearly two-thirds of Gen Z employees (61%) say education benefits are a key reason they would stay with their employer, far outpacing older generations.
Education as the Antidote
While the findings highlight a workforce at a crossroads, they also point toward a solution. Education and advancement opportunities consistently rank among the most powerful incentives for retention. As many as 63% of healthcare employees say they’d be more likely to stay with their employer if tuition support were provided. Employers themselves acknowledge this: nearly half cite lack of advancement opportunities as a reason staff leave. Yet only 47% currently use tuition assistance or education benefits as part of their retention strategy.
This disconnect suggests that healthcare organisations may be underestimating the role of professional development in reducing turnover. Investing in education not only strengthens loyalty but also equips workers with the skills needed to adapt to a rapidly evolving industry.
The AI Factor: Training for Tomorrow
One of the most pressing challenges and opportunities lies in artificial intelligence. Healthcare employees rank AI as the #1 skill they expect to need in the next five years, yet 42% worry that AI will replace parts of their jobs. Employers see AI as a critical priority, with 92% emphasising the need for AI training. However, 60% admit they struggle to find the right resources to provide this training.
Bridging that gap will be key. For employees, AI literacy represents future job security. For employers, it’s a chance to demonstrate investment in their workforce and to prepare their organisations for the next era of care delivery.
