The Healthcare Workforce in 2026: Adapting to Demand, Burnout, and a Shifting Care Model
December 15, 2025
With a rapidly aging population, the aftershocks of a global pandemic, and increased patient expectations, the healthcare industry has been through a lot in the past few years. The experts anticipate that 2026 will be the year these issues cause major shifts to healthcare labor demand trends.
While evolving care models have the potential to satisfy the new patient expectations, high rates of clinician burnout have led to more open positions than ever before. Solving the problems of the healthcare workforce in 2026 will require innovative new approaches to talent acquisition and retention. Here’s a look at the healthcare workforce trends for 2026, and what leaders can do to meet this moment.
Projected Healthcare Labor Demand in 2026
For years, one of the most significant healthcare staffing trends has been the gap between supply and demand. However, the issue is reaching a tipping point. According to Reuters, long-term projections show an anticipated shortage of nearly 700,000 healthcare professionals by 2037. Industry observers expect a surge in healthcare labor demand as leaders attempt to get ahead of this issue.
As for why the shortage is happening in the first place, the reasons are varied, but there are two leading causes. First, the aging Baby Boomer population needs more frequent and complex medical care, which has placed a strain on resources. Then, with more insured individuals today and healthcare access reaching peak levels, there has been a spike in the number of patients seeking care. Plain and simple, this increased patient volume requires a larger workforce.
Clinician Burnout: A Workforce in Crisis
Clinician burnout is another long-simmering problem that is reaching a boiling point. The same Reuters report mentioned above also estimates that 55% of American healthcare workers are considering leaving their jobs in the next year, with burnout cited as a primary factor.
If an exodus at this level does happen, the medical staff that does stay will likely soon face their own burnout. Healthcare leaders no longer see burnout as an issue for HR to handle. Solving the problem has become an organization-wide initiative. Strategies include offering flexible scheduling, providing mental health resources, and fostering a culture that values clinician well-being.
Shifting Care Models and Their Impact on Staffing
The trends of the last few years have led many organizations to change how they deliver services. Among these evolving care models, one of the most prominent is the explosion of telehealth and remote care. These models existed before 2020, but the pandemic started a surge that hasn’t stopped. Today, telehealth is utilized at a rate 38 times higher than in 2019. As expected, this spike has created the need for more workers who are comfortable with delivering compassionate care over digital platforms.
Meanwhile, on-site health workers are shifting their responsibilities to help meet the changing demand. Nurse practitioners and physician assistants are increasingly stepping in to fill critical gaps left by a retiring physician workforce. Outpatient services are also on the rise, with a 30% increase in utilization over the past decade. These evolving care models have led to less demand for staff in traditional inpatient settings and toward ambulatory clinics and home health services.
Technological Innovations in Healthcare Staffing
While these changes and shifts in healthcare labor demand have proved challenging, there is some good news for organizational leaders and their recruiting teams. Artificial intelligence technology has proven to be very effective in talent acquisition.
AI-driven platforms can automate much of the candidate screening process by identifying the best fit for specialized roles. One study found that AI can reduce hiring times by up to 60%, a fantastic stat for leaders struggling with staffing.
Strategies for Effective Healthcare Staffing Partnerships
The healthcare staffing trends are clear: 2026 will be another challenging year. The long-term forecasts see this upcoming year as a turning point. Fortunately, evolving care models and emerging technology have helped address many of these recurring issues. Another effective strategy is to find an experienced healthcare staffing partner.
Snelling has years of experience meeting the specific needs of all types of healthcare organizations. Don't enter 2026 without a plan for these healthcare staffing trends. Contact Snelling today to start building your workforce solutions for 2026 and beyond.