2DAYSMOOD Blog

Employee happiness as key to retention of healthcare staff

Written by 2DAYSMOOD | Nov 11, 2025 1:30:00 PM

Healthcare organizations face a double challenge: retaining existing employees and attracting new colleagues. While the workload is increasing and the number of vacancies is rising, one factor is proving increasingly important: employee happiness.

In 2025 there will be more than 50,000 unfilled care vacancies. The cause? A combination of an aging population, high outflow and limited inflow. But let's not see this as insurmountable. Because what if, on the contrary, you can influence these factors by investing in the experience of your employees?

At 2DAYSMOOD, we believe that sustainable employee retention starts with listening. Not once a year, but in real time. What do healthcare employees experience during a busy shift? What are teams running on empty? What energizes them?

Our data from more than 4,500 healthcare employees shows three clear drivers of employee happiness:

  • Relationships with colleagues
  • Appreciation
  • A good work-life balance

Those who take these factors seriously lay a solid foundation for retention and attraction. But how do you know where you stand?

By regularly carrying out a pulse measurement, you gain accessible insight into what employees need. That offers room for dialogue as well as for targeted actions. Think of better team support, removing bottlenecks or celebrating successes.

Checklist for retention of care staff:

  • Ask employees regularly about their experiences
  • Put appreciation structurally on the agenda
  • Invest in healthy work pressure and team relationships
  • Use insights to really improve, not just measure

In short: employee happiness is not a luxury. It is a necessity. And it is measurable. Together, let's build healthcare organizations where people like to stay, and develop .