Survey Found Many Gen Z Healthcare Workers Sought New Roles

A 2025 survey revealed that 70% of Gen Z healthcare employees planned to change jobs within one year.

Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Nursing Jobs

Isometric editorial illustration of a clinical pulse oximeter resting on a clean, flat surface, representing healthcare career trends. — A 2025 survey of Gen Z healthcare workers revealed that 70% plan to leave their jobs within a year despite wanting long-term tenure. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you trust your employer to support your long-term career growth?

Data collected from June 12 to July 1, 2025, showed that 70% of Gen Z healthcare workers expected to seek new employment within the next year. Despite this turnover intent, 65% of those surveyed expressed an expectation of remaining with a single employer for five or more years.

Why it matters

The survey highlighted a significant disconnect between employer support and employee career goals, as only 26% of employees trusted their employers to foster long-term growth. Meanwhile, 47% of employers identified a lack of advancement opportunities as a primary driver of staff turnover.

The Harris Poll surveyed 1,514 healthcare employees and 304 employers regarding career expectations and AI usage. Results showed 89% of workers prioritized advancement opportunities while 95% valued long-term job security.

The players

The Harris Poll

This market research and analytics company conducted the survey of healthcare employees and employers.

Strategic Education, Inc.

This educational services company commissioned the survey to assess workforce sentiment and development needs.

Workforce Edge

This organization partnered to conduct research on healthcare employee career trajectories and employer support.

The details

While 66% of healthcare workers felt their jobs were relatively secure from AI displacement, 72% of employees and 78% of employers agreed that human oversight remains essential for artificial intelligence tools. Respondents also indicated a moderate comfort level, with 48% reporting they were at ease using AI in their daily roles.

June 12 to July 1, 2025: Survey conducted of healthcare employees and employers.
Next year: 70% of Gen Z workers indicated plans to seek new roles.

Market Landscape

This survey data underscores the persistent challenge of the ongoing U.S. healthcare staffing shortage. The results suggest that organizations failing to bridge the gap in career advancement support risk losing a significant portion of their emerging Gen Z workforce.

Healthcare professionals may find themselves navigating a competitive job market where employers are increasingly aware of the need to provide better development paths to retain staff. For workers, this indicates a period where negotiating for advancement opportunities or professional growth support could be more feasible.

The takeaway

Retaining Gen Z talent in healthcare requires aligning corporate development programs with the strong employee preference for long-term job security and advancement. Focusing on transparent growth paths may help organizations mitigate the high turnover intentions identified in the 2025 data.