Workforce diversity

By Maureen Swick

The AHA supports an inclusive and diverse workforce that reflects the communities our members serve. During National Minority Health Month, the AHA Workforce Center highlights our hospitals’ commitment to increasing and supporting a diverse workforce.

That commitment to a diverse and culturally competent workforce starts from the top down. Leaders, executives and governance teams must recruit, retain and cultivate a diverse workforce that mirrors those they serve, embedding workforce planning and development within the strategic planning process.

Consider the following statistics:

• By 2042, whites will be a minority in the U.S. (47% of the population);
• The black population will grow by 56%;
• The Latino population will triple to 29% of the U.S. population.

Research shows diversity leads to increased racial and ethnic minority patient choice and satisfaction. We know that racial and ethnic minority patients are more likely to report higher levels of satisfaction with their care and higher-quality care when treated by a health professional of their own racial and ethnic background. The changing face of America makes it a workforce imperative to ensure culturally competent, equitable access to care for all the people and communities we serve.

Learn more about how America’s hospitals are committing to a diverse workforce in the AHA Committee on Performance Improvement 2016 report, "The Imperative for Strategic Workforce Planning and Development: Challenges and Opportunities" and by checking out the AHA’s #123forEquity pledge campaign.