Healthcare workers lag in tech skills, seek support: Randstad survey
CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES — Healthcare professionals worldwide are losing confidence in their ability to adapt to new technologies, with only 64% feeling prepared, below the 71% global average, according to Randstad’s 2025 Workmonitor survey.
Healthcare workers lag in tech skills
According to the survey, just 64% of healthcare professionals can manage AI, which is lower than the general industry average.
The disparity is most pronounced in North America, where only 56% of people feel confident, significantly less than the 72% in APAC, where people are more tech-savvy.
Despite 43% of healthcare workers believing their industry is better prepared than others for digital transformation, this still falls short of the 49% global benchmark.
Randstad’s survey of 26,000 workers across 35 countries suggests that without better training, healthcare employers risk higher turnover as professionals seek roles where they can develop tech skills.
Mental health tops priorities for job retention
A staggering 88% of healthcare professionals say a sense of community at work is vital for their mental health, far higher than in energy (74%), automotive (78%), or agriculture (77%).
Additionally, 76% consider mental health support a key factor when choosing jobs, ranking it above environmental commitments and even promotion opportunities.
Yet, 53% of healthcare employers lack formal mental health policies, and only 47% of workers trust their organizations to foster a supportive environment.
Talent shortages and call for employer action
With nearly half of workers refusing jobs at companies with poor workplace culture, more than those rejecting workplaces lacking equity, employers must act quickly to retain talent in an already strained sector.
Interest in mental health services is highest in South and Northwestern Europe, with 84% and 78%, respectively, while Latin America and North America come in lower at 74% and 73%.
Yet, few healthcare workers think their employers care about creating a thriving workplace, with only 47% saying they trust their employers, which is less than the 49% across other industries.
Sander van ‘t Noordende, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Randstad, a global HR services firm specializing in workforce solutions, warns that failing to address these issues could worsen staffing shortages.
“The data is clear: in the face of talent scarcity, healthcare workers are [prioritizing] employers who offer not only mental health support and a strong sense of community, but also opportunities to grow their skills,” Noordende said.
