Seventy percent of Gen Z healthcare workers expect to explore a new role within the next year, a new survey from The Harris Poll found.
But, simultaneously, 65% expect to stay with one employer for five or more years and 95% report valuing long-term job security.
The survey—conducted on behalf of Strategic Education, Inc. and its subsidiary Workforce Edge—drew insights from 1,514 healthcare employees and 304 employers between June 12 and July 1, 2025. The goal of the survey was to better understand how to retain and replenish the healthcare workforce amid current and projected staffing shortages in the U.S.
Analysts note Gen Z employees appear to be “more motivated by career advancement and learning” than other generations—with 89% of respondents reporting that clear advancement opportunities are important to them. Eighty-six percent of respondents also report education and new skills will aid in career advancement.
Forty-seven percent of employer respondents report lack of opportunities for advancement, professional development and education as the main reasons why employees leave.
Despite the reported strong desire for advancement, only 26% of employees report having a great deal of trust in employers supporting long-term career growth.
“As a nurse and educator of more than 42 years, these findings confirm what I have seen first-hand,” said Adele Webb, Workforce Edge healthcare workforce advisor, in a statement. “Younger healthcare workers are willing to move on if their employer doesn’t support their career trajectory. Employers must develop a retention strategy that incorporates the learning and advancement opportunities this generation expects.”
Though general retention remains a priority for employers, 78% report retaining Gen Z employees is a high or medium organizational priority—with 75% reporting the same for recruitment efforts.
The survey also examined attitudes and beliefs surrounding artificial intelligence amid its rapid implementation in the industry.
Sixty-six percent said they believe their jobs are less vulnerable to AI-driven displacement than jobs in other industries. At the same time, fewer than half (48%) said they are comfortable using AI tools in their current roles, and 39% reported that AI has had no noticeable impact on their work.
Human oversight remains “essential,” according to the majority of employees (72%) and employers (78%).
“These results suggest that both employers and employees recognize the value of preserving the human element in healthcare,” Webb said. “While AI remains an important capability and can help streamline work and create efficiencies, the demands of patient care coupled with the need to protect sensitive health data require a more measured approach when it comes to implementing AI tools in clinical settings.”