AM25-TU-05-L - Generations Apart and Together: Navigating Today’s Culture to Build a Sustainable Workforce for Your Transfusion Service

Proposed Session Description: The clinical laboratory profession faces ongoing challenges with workforce shortages, driven by factors like lack of career awareness, generational workforce differences, and staff retention issues. This session will explore practical strategies for addressing these challenges, including targeted recruitment efforts and effective retention practices.

We will discuss how generational differences impact workforce dynamics and explore ways to tailor engagement and communication strategies to meet the expectations of each generation. Actionable steps for recruitment will be outlined, emphasizing the importance of reaching prospective students early by partnering with middle and high school educators and current students to promote the profession.

Retention strategies will also be addressed, focusing on data about what influences graduates' job choices and their longevity in the field. Attendees will gain insight into creating a supportive work culture, offering career development opportunities, and fostering a sense of purpose and connection within the laboratory team.

By the end of this session, participants will leave with actionable ideas to enhance both recruitment and retention efforts, contributing to a more sustainable clinical laboratory workforce.