A lot has been said in recent years regarding the state of remote work. While reports have surfaced that return-to-office mandates doubled in 2025, the numbers show that remote work roles are increasing in number once again.
Gallup data indicates that over one-quarter of U.S. employees in remote-capable jobs are working fully remote, and more than half work remotely at least some of the time. A recent FlexJobs report shows that in the first quarter of 2026, remote jobs increased by 20% across the board.
Still, it isn’t just organizations that are evaluating their priorities when designing and advertising open roles. Employee sentiment is also shifting. FlexJobs’ 2026 report found that 35% of workers indicate that the ability to work remotely is their highest-ranking factor when deciding whether to accept a job. A Monster survey shows that 33% of employees wouldn’t even apply to a job that required them to be in person full-time.
As hospitals and healthcare organizations continue to experience staffing shortages amid sector growth, it may be a good idea to consider how offering remote and hybrid roles can help you attract and retain employees. Here’s why remote roles are winning in today’s talent landscape and what other benefits healthcare workers want in 2026.
Why Is Remote Work Becoming Popular Again?
According to the CDC, 46% of healthcare workers reported feeling burned out in recent years. As a result, many have begun to prioritize their mental health through a greater emphasis on work-life balance.
In fact, a 2025 Randstad survey shows that workers now value work-life balance more than salary or benefits. These feelings are further validated by reports that nearly half of remote workers would consider quitting if they were given an RTO mandate.
Simply put, healthcare employees want roles that allow them to do what they love without sacrificing their personal well-being. Employers who are able to offer roles that promote this type of balance are likely to fare the best in attracting and retaining top talent.
How Can Organizations Incorporate Remote Roles?
Healthcare organizations that are used to operating on a traditional model may be at a loss when it comes to pivoting to remote roles. However, it’s important to consider which jobs may be most suitable for remote work if employers wish to compete in an increasingly crowded landscape. Fortunately, many roles can be done well remotely, including:
- Telehealth providers (MDs, NPs, and PAs)
- Medical scribes
- Remote nurses
- Mental health professionals
- Speech-language pathologists
- Nutritionists and dieticians
- Medical billers and coders
- Data and cybersecurity analysts
With demand for telehealth services having nearly tripled since 2018, it’s an excellent time for healthcare organizations to consider how remote roles can help them balance their need to hire top talent with the preferences of today’s patients.
What Healthcare Employees Are Looking for in 2026
While remote work has become critical for talent attraction and employee retention, it isn’t the only thing workers are searching for when evaluating job offers. Here are the additional perks and benefits healthcare employees want to see this year.
Better Compensation and Benefits
Among the top five fastest-growing jobs in the healthcare sector, three of them command six-figure salaries. Gallup data shows that 30% of employees who have recently quit a job say that a better salary and benefits package could have persuaded them to stay. Healthcare workers aren’t just looking for work-life balance; they’re looking for better incentives across the board.
Technological Competence
Healthcare employees are aware of how advanced technology like artificial intelligence can improve productivity and performance. Many employees prefer organizations that are willing to employ this technology to make their working lives easier. For example, you may consider how a documentation assistant can save time and reduce administrative burdens.
Career Development Support
Organizations must find ways to support employees in reaching their professional goals. This means providing pathways to advanced certifications and helping workers move into specialty areas that can allow them to pursue their passions.
Ensure Your Organization Can Attract and Retain Top Talent This Year and Beyond
Integrating remote work in your healthcare organization has become more than just a crisis response to a national emergency. It’s now a strategic imperative for talent attraction and retention.
By extending flexible work arrangements and supporting employees through better total compensation, AI technology, and career development, it’s possible for healthcare organizations to improve morale, reduce burnout, and broaden their talent pools.
As the workforce continues to demand work-life balance, proactive healthcare leaders who embrace this shift will transform their practices and gain a competitive advantage.
