2021 Workforce Report


WHA’s 2021 Wisconsin Health Care Workforce Report shows that COVID-19 accelerated historic trends that were already stressing Wisconsin’s health care workforce—most notably, an increasing demand for health care services by an aging population combined with disproportionate retirements of health care workers relative to new professionals entering the field, a phenomenon referred to as the “Silver Tsunami.”

WHA recommends that health care organizations, educators and policymakers aim for good health care policy that will support the health care workforce and sustain the excellent health care Wisconsin is known for. And while pursuing these solutions, Wisconsin must also take stock of its public health infrastructure shortcomings in preparation for the inevitable next global health emergency.

Workforce Report

Click image to view Workforce Report

Download Full Report Message from Chair Recommended Strategies

Workforce Report

Click image to view Workforce Briefing

Strategies to Support Wisconsin’s Health Care Workforce

#1 Build public-private partnerships to "grow our own" health care workforce

Schools and hospitals are partnering to create more training opportunities to grow and retain a skilled Wisconsin health care workforce.

#2 Break down barriers to top-of-skill practice.

Key to enhancing care for patients and capacity for the workforce is allowing all team members to perform at the top of their skill level.

#3 Bolster acceptance and utilization of telemedicine and technology.

By increasing access points and redistributing expertise where it’s needed, telehealth can address disparities and improve health outcomes.

#4 Reduce regulatory burden and increase regulatory flexibility

Patients have less time with their caregivers and must navigate unnecessary hurdles to receive care amidst a growing regulatory morass.

#5 Support care in the best setting — inpatient, outpatient, or post-acute.

Patients spent 38,000 “avoidable days” in Wisconsin hospitals in 2017 due to factors outside the hospital’s control, requiring support for care in the best setting.