Build a Hospital Culture that Appeals to Millennial Physicians

A sometimes misunderstood group, the millennial generation is single-handedly changing the way we think about the workplace and how it should best operate. While it’s absolutely true that when the time comes for a professional, no-nonsense delivery of difficult medical news, you can expect your young physicians to meet the moment. However, in general, they will also have different needs than those of previous generations. Among this is the need for time to themselves when the going gets slow.

What can you do to create a hospital culture that not only will appeal to your millennial staff, but make them want to stick around for the long run?

Millennial physicians must be fed … literally

Our economy is experiencing frequent ups and downs of late. The prices for essentials, including food and healthcare, are on the rise, while items that aren’t necessities, such as household furnishings and the latest model iPhone, can be more affordable than ever. Millennial physicians can feel like they are bearing the brunt of this injustice.

These doctors have come to expect certain perks from any job they may hold. Only they don’t think of them as perks—they consider them necessities. On the top of the list is food.

Is it a costly inconvenience to keep a hospital’s fridge well stocked with snacks? Perhaps not. After all, would you rather have a well-fed, alert doctor treating a patient or a “hangry” 20-something trying to stay cool after pounding down four Red Bulls that were the only option on the lunch break?

Embrace diversity

Millennial physicians consider themselves to be more in tune with cultural bias and tend to want more equality in the workplace. In fact, millennials are America’s most ethnically and racially diverse generation ever, accepting of all types of people. They will seek out employers who practice and preach.

Paul Polizzotto, founder and president of CBS EcoMedia, says it’s best to embrace this way of thinking with millennials to achieve a healthy work culture. “My business philosophy is in alignment with the millennial view,” Polizzotto said. “I firmly believe that the key to innovation and creative problem-solving is to bring a wide variety of perspectives to the table.”

Offer knowledge and growth

As the first generation to grow up connected to the world through technology, millennials are well-educated and seek to increase their knowledge. Because of their insatiable desire to learn, this generation of physicians is extremely confident and ready to lead, innovate and challenge the status quo.

“Do not expect the millennial generation to wait their turn to lead; they will be leading early and often on many different fronts,” says Stacy Potts, MD, MEd, FAAFP, in the article, “The Next Generation of Physicians: Embracing Change in our Workforce.”

Millennials strive to do great things, even if they often think of jobs as stepping stones to the next big thing. Ever hungering to learn and be challenged, it’s to your advantage to create an environment that supports their ambitions and aspirations.

A fair warning, though: Millennials are often job-hoppers, so it is up to you to create a workplace in which they will be continually inspired and want to remain in for years to come.

How can you as an employer work to retain your younger generation of physicians? While there is no guarantee of retention, you can strive to create a work environment that caters to millennial needs. That means keeping them fed, respecting equality, and nurturing their desire to grow.

Ready to start connecting with physicians? Have questions? Contact PhysEmp today for a free demo.

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