Healthcare Leadership Trends for 2025
Healthcare’s complex processes and systems often breed disengagement. “There is no greater generator of dissatisfaction,” notes a study, “than working in a system not intentionally and carefully designed for success.” 1
5. Recruitment Landscape Improves But Still Barriers to Finding Quality Leaders
Though 2024 witnessed some hiring slowdowns, the new year is expected to place a premium on recruiting leadership talent. The need for rapid results on many change initiatives makes having the right leadership in place imperative. Noting that health systems “do not have 10 to 12 years” to deal with major risks and pressures, a study concludes that organizations need leaders who can “radically rethink operations to succeed.” 2 The Trends survey revealed some affirmative recruiting developments along with a number of significant challenges – especially for smaller hospitals. Results also suggest that recruiters are exercising multiple levers to foster success. Recruiting driver: Leadership shortages For several years, talent shortages have been a problem. The 2025 expectation for shortages in the senior to mid-level management ranks is relatively benign. Reflecting an increase over last year, 62% of respondents anticipate few if any shortages. Moderate levels are expected by 29%, and just 9% characterized their shortages as high. These latter levels still represent hundreds of hospitals.
1 K. Mate, J. Clark, and J. Salvon-Harman, “To Improve on Health Care, Focus on Fixing Systems, Not People,” Harvard Business Review, July 12, 2024. 2 Oliver Wyman, “Healthcare Players Face Big Decisions Over the Next Decade,” 2024.
© B.E. Smith 2025
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