Findings in a May 2024 report from the TIAA Institute, a division of insurance and annuities provider TIAA, reveals the values and priorities of health care sector workers and also  emphasizes the importance of understanding benefits as part of an overall compensation package and the needs of various worker demographics.

After salary (the job feature that employees most often rate among the three most valuable), high priority employer-sponsored benefits include health insurance, paid time off, and retirement plans.

Researchers surveyed 1516 individuals working in health care and found that 69% valued salary and compensation as their top priorities, followed by benefits at 45% and work-life balance at 44%. Workers under 40 were more likely to value work-life balance, career advancement opportunities, and professional development, while employees over 60 valued benefits, organizational culture, and mission.

Turnover continues to be a significant issue in the health care sector. Among the registered nurses (RNs) surveyed, 37% of those 60 and older indicated they are likely to leave their current jobs, compared to 22% of their younger colleagues.