The Benefits of Mentoring in Healthcare Associations

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on the world, changing our perspectives on various aspects of life. It has disrupted healthcare systems, prompting a reevaluation of work-life balance and the concept of a workplace. The spotlight is now on health and well-being, affecting every country. The pandemic has exposed skills shortages and emphasized the need for technology to support efficient healthcare delivery. To meet the increasing global demand, substantial investment, sustainable policies, and clear structures are required. Deloitte’s Global Healthcare Outlook predicts a need for 80 million more healthcare workers by 2030, with low-income countries requiring approximately 18 million of them. However, healthcare professionals, including nurses and doctors, are planning to reduce their work hours or leave clinical practice, leading to a significant shortage of public health workers. Burnout among healthcare workers poses a threat to the nation’s health and economic security. Gender imbalance in the healthcare workforce is also a concern, with women representing the majority but holding only a quarter of leadership roles. Healthcare organizations and associations must develop strategies to attract, develop, nurture, and retain healthcare workers. One effective approach is implementing well-designed mentoring programs aligned with organizational goals, benefiting the mentee, mentor, and the organization as a whole. Mentoring has been shown to reduce burnout and improve skill development and workforce satisfaction. It is particularly crucial for women in healthcare. Associations can benefit from such programs by improving membership value, fostering meaningful connections, creating sustainable work environments, and enhancing the mental health and well-being of members and their teams. These initiatives also contribute to higher engagement and retention rates, skill development, collaboration, favorable reputation, and the development of future leaders.