As healthcare systems across the U.S. navigate a rapidly evolving workforce landscape, understanding emerging trends and challenges is more critical than ever. The 2025 Healthcare Workforce Trends Survey captures the voices of over 1,200 healthcare leaders to shed light on how organizations are adapting to workforce demands, addressing nurse burnout, and embracing flexible staffing models. Here are the key takeaways from this year’s survey and what they mean for the future of healthcare staffing.
The results reflect a broad cross-section of U.S. hospitals, capturing insights from workforce leaders across organizations of varying sizes, specialties, and regions. This robust approach makes the findings applicable to healthcare organizations nationwide.
This diverse sample ensures that our findings highlight the needs and priorities of all types of healthcare organizations, from small rural hospitals to large urban systems.
Flexibility is No Longer Optional
Healthcare workers increasingly prioritize flexibility and autonomy in their work schedules. The survey results underscore how these factors are shaping staffing models and influencing nurse engagement, retention, and satisfaction.
Healthcare leaders overwhelmingly agree that flexible, gig-style work arrangements are no longer just a preference but an expectation. Nurses are seeking greater control over their schedules, and organizations that fail to adapt risk losing valuable staff.
- 98% of respondents reported an increase in demand for flexible, gig-style work arrangements in the past 1-2 years.
- 67% noted that burnout and disengagement are rising due to a lack of flexibility.
- 78% identified flexibility as the top factor most nurses value in workforce decisions.
- 45% believe that more than half of their nurses would benefit from working on flexible schedules.
Flexibility has become a critical factor in fostering nurse engagement and ensuring organizations remain competitive in attracting top talent.
The Financial and Operational Impact of Current Staffing Models
Burnout, unappealing shifts, and rising labor costs are placing immense pressure on healthcare leaders. Traditional staffing models, which often rely on costly travel or contract nurses, are proving unsustainable in today’s environment. Respondents highlighted how these challenges are driving the need for innovative workforce strategies.
- Burnout remains a top challenge, with 67% citing it as a significant concern.
- Unappealing shifts were reported as an issue by 65% of respondents.
- Travel and contract nurses increase labor costs by 20-30% per shift, creating significant financial strain.
- 89% of leaders are under pressure to reduce staffing costs.
These statistics highlight a growing consensus: relying heavily on travel and contract nurses is not a viable long-term solution. Instead, leaders are exploring flexible, sustainable nurse staffing models to balance costs and improve morale.
Technology Gaps Are Hindering Progress
While many organizations are eager to embrace flexible staffing models, outdated and ineffective technology is holding them back. Leaders expressed frustration with current tools and platforms that fail to meet their needs, creating barriers to implementing change.
- 94% of respondents currently use platforms to manage flexible staffing but encounter significant challenges.
- 72% identified cost as a major limitation.
- 64% pointed to logistical hurdles.
- 59% highlighted scheduling technology limitations.
- 60% noted a lack of nurse interest, often due to poor user experiences with existing tools.
Integration issues were another key concern, with 92% finding it difficult to integrate new technology into their existing systems. Addressing these gaps will be critical to enabling effective, scalable staffing solutions.
The Growing Role of Flexible Staffing Models
Despite the challenges, healthcare leaders are optimistic about the potential of flexible staffing models to address workforce needs. Many organizations are already investing in innovative solutions to attract and retain nurses while reducing costs.
- 97% plan to increase their use of flexible work options, such as float pools, gig-style roles, per diem positions, and contract work, over the next year.
- 49% expect to increase contingent labor roles by 50% or more in the coming year.
- 96% anticipate that gig-style work will become a significant part of their staffing strategies within the next five years.
These findings signal a clear shift in how healthcare organizations are approaching staffing, with flexibility becoming a cornerstone of workforce strategy.
Why Flexible Staffing Matters for Nurses and Patients
Flexible staffing models aren’t just beneficial for healthcare organizations—they’re critical for improving nurse engagement and patient care outcomes. Leaders acknowledge the strong connection between workforce satisfaction and the quality of care delivered.
- 96% believe flexibility and autonomy in scheduling improve nurse retention.
- 94% say providing better work-life balance enhances the quality-of-care nurses deliver.
- 98% observed a direct link between staff engagement levels and patient satisfaction or outcomes.
By prioritizing flexibility, healthcare organizations can address critical staffing shortages while improving the overall patient experience.
The Cost of Inaction
The survey also revealed the risks associated with failing to adapt to changing workforce demands. Staffing shortages, high turnover rates, and disengagement are creating ripple effects throughout healthcare systems, jeopardizing both financial stability and patient outcomes.
- 63% of respondents reported that at least 25% of their shifts went unfilled due to staffing shortages.
- 95% expressed concern that staffing shortages could impact the quality of patient care.
- 94% are worried about how burnout and disengagement affect care quality.
These statistics underscore the urgency of rethinking traditional staffing models and investing in solutions that meet both workforce and patient needs.
The Path Forward for Healthcare Staffing
The 2025 Healthcare Workforce Trends Survey paints a clear picture: the future of healthcare staffing lies in flexibility, innovation, and technology. Organizations that embrace these principles will be better positioned to attract top talent, manage costs, and deliver exceptional patient care. One solution: A Contingent Labor Platform that can help you staff the way you want: internally whenever possible and externally only when necessary.
Ready to learn more? Download the full Survey Report, or the executive summary, to access in-depth insights and actionable strategies for transforming your workforce approach.