What Keeps Healthcare Workers Engaged? New Report Points to Trust and Teamwork

23 April 2025

Data from 2.3 million U.S. nurses, physicians, and healthcare employees highlight rising pressure and a path to resilience

Press Ganey, the leading provider of experience measurement, analytics, and insights for health systems and health plans, today released its latest research report, “Healthcare Employee Experience 2025.” Drawing on feedback from 2.3 million healthcare workers across the U.S., this is the largest study of its kind—and it reveals falling engagement nationally, while highlighting the importance of building trust within teams and across systems.

In a time of uncertainty, trust is our most vital asset,” said Patrick T. Ryan, CEO and Chairman of Press Ganey Forsta. “Healthcare workers are telling us what they need—not just as individuals, but as teams. They’re asking to be seen, heard, and supported in delivering safe, high-quality care. The organizations that rise to this moment, by building cultures rooted in respect, shared purpose, and real partnership, won’t just retain their people. They’ll unlock the kind of workforce resilience and innovation that transforms care for generations to come.

Key Findings:

• Engagement is declining—And it matters. Engagement declined by 0.02 points in 2024—small but noticeable. Disengaged employees are 1.7x more likely to leave, especially early-tenure staff.
• Turnover improved slightly, but may be poised for a reverse. Turnover dropped from 20% to 18%, but falling engagement—especially among front-line roles—could reverse that trend in 2025.
• Advanced practice providers and physicians are under the greatest strain. APP engagement fell 0.08 points; only 52% feel heard. Physician engagement and alignment also declined, increasing burnout and turnover risk.
• Safety culture has plateaued; concerns about safety are rising. Only 78% of employees believe their organization cares about their safety—a two percentage point drop from last year.
• Perception of teamwork is increasingly important. Strong teamwork boosts outcomes and retention. RNs with low teamwork scores are 1.53x more likely to leave.
• Younger generations are motivated differently. Millennials and Gen Z report lower engagement and higher turnover, valuing career growth, inclusion, and strong leadership.
• Retention is not driven by compensation. Trust, respect, and belonging—not pay—are the strongest predictors of engagement and intent to stay.

A Roadmap for Action

While national engagement is on the decline, a subset of organizations is defying the trend—demonstrating resilience, rising engagement, and stronger alignment. What sets them apart is a clear, sustained commitment to building social capital: fostering trust within teams, empowering the front line, and taking action on what employees say matters most.

These top performers are using data not just to measure experience—but to guide strategy. They segment insights by role, generation, and tenure, enabling targeted approaches that support high-risk positions and connect meaningfully with younger employees who seek inclusion, growth, and shared purpose.

The most resilient organizations are winning trust team by team,” said Thomas H. Lee, MD, Chief Medical Officer at Press Ganey. “They’re evolving how they listen—using real-time feedback from rounding, huddles, and digital tools—and they’re acting with urgency. When leaders engage directly with the front line and respond visibly to their needs, it builds connection, confidence, and commitment. These are proven strategies that enable organizations to work with their frontline to find solutions and drive improvement.

To explore the full findings and data-driven recommendations, read the full report at: pressganey.com/EXreport.