Retention

Retaining healthcare professionals reduces the costs, disruptions, and stress of constant recruitment. When professionals stay:

• Patients benefit from long-term, trusted relationships.
• Workplaces are more stable, reducing burnout.
• Communities have consistent access to care.

Retention isn’t about convincing someone to stay at the last minute, it’s about ongoing connection and support from day one.

A strong retention plan includes:

1. Professional Support: Opportunities for skill development, mentorship, and networking keep professionals engaged and motivated.

2. Family & Lifestyle Support: Supporting a professional’s family in finding work, making friends, and participating in community life is key.

3. Recognition & Appreciation: Celebrate milestones, acknowledge contributions, and ensure promises made during recruitment are kept.

4. Workplace Wellness: Encourage reasonable workloads, open communication, and healthy work environments.

Retention works best when the whole community is involved:

• Stay connected: Regularly check in with professionals and their families to identify and address concerns early.
• Offer belonging: Include professionals in local traditions, events, and decision-making.
• Create pathways for growth: Work with employers and educational institutions to support professional advancement without leaving the community.

IEHPs may need extra support to thrive long-term:

• Help navigate professional licensing and certification.
• Support cultural integration while respecting their heritage.
• Provide opportunities to connect with both local and cultural communities.