Locum tenens and contract work mean flexibility and freedom for healthcare providers
The popularity of locum tenens and contract work are experiencing a surge in popularity among healthcare providers due to the flexibility, control over work-life balance and competitive compensation — while being leveraged by both major health networks and resource-restricted healthcare organizations alike. But motivations vary, and our survey reveals how different generations are engaging with this work model.
How do different generations perceive locum tenens and contract work?
Percentage of Career Contract or Locum Tenens by Generation
- Baby Boomers (ages 59-77): While medical professionals of the Baby Boomer generation have participated in locum tenens work, they are more likely to seek stability as they approach retirement. Many have dabbled in contract work, with less than 10% of their careers spent in these roles. They demonstrate a preference for traditional, long-term employment as they near the end of their careers.
- Gen X (ages 43-58) and Millennials (ages 27-42): These younger generations are more drawn to locum tenens work, particularly for the flexibility. They value balancing their time between personal and professional life, achieving financial goals and having control over their work hours. Flexibility is a key driver for Millennials, making locum tenens work an attractive option for managing career and life demands.
Specialty insights
Which Specialties See Telehealth as a Top Retention Factor?
Some medical specialties show a higher affinity for locum tenens work than others. For example, anesthesiologists are particularly drawn to this work model because of the compensation and control over working hours it offers. Diagnostic Medicine specialists also favor locum tenens work for its flexibility, allowing them to meet both professional and personal needs. Today, the style of work remains underutilized by healthcare practices across a number of specialties.
Telehealth adoption: The new normal in an era of care shortage
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, telehealth programs rapidly became a cornerstone of healthcare delivery, enabling physician consultations and other services to continue when in-person appointments were not feasible. However, adoption rates and preferences for telehealth vary significantly across generations and specialties, alluding to some under-explored virtual care solutions such (such as time-sensitive psychiatric triage applications, as well as per-consult specialty care models).
Providers in certain specialties are leading the charge in telehealth adoption, with a sizable portion of their patient interactions conducted virtually. In Behavioral Health, one-third of specialists report that at least 75% of their current patient interactions are conducted via telehealth, a considerable concentration of virtual care delivery. This trend underscores the suitability of telehealth for specialties where face-to-face interaction is less critical to diagnosis and treatment.
Summary and takeaways
This clinician response data throws into stark relief the growing acceptance of the innovative solutions with clear generational and specialty-based preferences. By understanding these trends, healthcare organizations can better align their staffing and technology strategies to meet the evolving needs of their workforce. Adapting to these preferences is not only essential for attracting and retaining talent but also for staying competitive in a rapidly changing industry.
