The public health workforce is crucial for protecting communities against various health threats, but it faces significant challenges. Recent data reveals a concerning trend: nearly half of all employees in state and local public health agencies in the US left their jobs between 2017 and 2021. This exodus has left agencies with critical gaps in institutional knowledge and experience.
Current Challenges
- Workforce shortages: The US public health workforce needs to grow by 80% to provide minimum health services.
- Recruitment difficulties: Health departments struggle to attract new employees due to insufficient funding, shortage of trained professionals, and lack of visibility for public health careers2.
- Retention issues: Low pay, limited career advancement, job-related stress, and burnout contribute to high turnover rates.
- Lengthy hiring processes: Government agencies take an average of 204 days to complete merit-based hiring, compared to 12-49 days in the private sector.
Strategies for Strengthening the Workforce
Improve Recruitment and Retention
- Modernize recruitment technology and marketing to enhance candidate experience.
- Offer competitive salaries and incentives, including student loan repayment options.
- Implement equitable recruitment practices to diversify applicants and staff.
Invest in Education and Training
- Expand training and education programs to prepare the next generation of public health workers.
- Increase certificate programs and ensure curricula build essential skills.
- Provide work-based learning, apprenticeships, and on-the-job training opportunities.
Streamline Hiring Processes
- Review and optimize hiring processes from start to finish.
- Consider decentralizing some control of the hiring process.
- Convert contractors, fellows, and interns to permanent hires.
Address Workforce Culture and Well-being
- Create a flexible work environment that supports healing and offers growth opportunities.
- Implement programs to address trauma and burnout from the COVID-19 pandemic and other stressors.
Leverage Data and Technology
- Use data-driven tools like the FPHS Capacity and Cost Assessment to identify priority areas for workforce support.
- Integrate digital health tools, artificial intelligence, and big data analytics to enhance efficiency.
The Path Forward
Strengthening the public health workforce requires a multi-faceted approach involving government agencies, educational institutions, and healthcare organizations. By addressing recruitment challenges, investing in training, streamlining processes, and prioritizing worker well-being, we can build a resilient public health system capable of meeting future challenges.As the World Health Organization projects a shortfall of 10 million health workers by 2030, it is crucial to act now. Investing in the public health workforce is not just a strategic imperative but a necessary step to ensure the health and safety of communities worldwide.