More tech, better work-life balance coming to health care as millennials take charge

Increased technology use and a better work-life balance are just a few of the changes millennials are makingto the healthcare system as they take over the reins from baby boomers, says a health care networking specialist.

"One of the advantages of younger physicians is that they are digital natives," saidMelicentLavers, the co-chair of Emerging Health Leaders Toronto, a Canada-wide network that aims to share knowledge among the next generation of healthcare professionals, which she defines as anyone with less than 15 years of working experience.

Speaking at the National Health Leadership Conference in St. John's on Monday, Laversoutlined how millennial health-care professionals including, but not limited to, doctors are bringing their tech-savvy skills into the workplace.

• Young doctor using Facebook to recruit colleagues to rural Cape Breton

"Many emerging health leaders are starting to use Facebook Live as a tool to connect and engage with peers and patients," she said

But along with the advantages of social media,Laverssaid the system must ensure there arepolicies surrounding its use, so such tools are used "to hear the patients' needs."

Work-life balance

According to Lavers, health institutions face big challenges hiring and keepingyoung talent in the medical field.

"Emerging health leaders have a different set of values and look at work differently," said Lavers.

"[They]want to travel more, they want to collaborate and they want to take part in decision-making at a younger age."

A human resources expert echoed that sentiment, sayingemployers need to start redefining whatjob performance looks like, and move away from theidea that dedication is measured primarily by the amount of time spent at work.

"Getting your head around what performance means, and how to flex time and hours for somebody who wants more balance is going to beimportant," said JessChapman, the owner of EThree Consulting.

Being more creative in the way we think about work is going to be important.- Jess Chapman

"Starting to think about different work structures, allowing people to work different shift patterns, allowing people to share jobs and being more creative in the way we think about work is going to be very important."

Both Chapman andLaversseetechnology as a way to help give millennials their much-desired balance.

"Technology provides opportunities for a better work-life balance.Some practitioners are already using apps to see patients remotely," said Lavers.

The generation gap

The younger generation's digital fluency can also bean asset to older physicians and health care workers.

• Millennials' need to feel valued prompts workplace culture shift

"Hiring young leadersand having them engaged throughout organizationsprovides a lot of opportunity for new learning. For emerging health leaders, mid-level leaders and even senior leaders," said MichelleMoonesar, a co-chair withEmerging Health Leaders Canada.

"The generational gap is not a bad thing."

Laversagreed.

"Artificial intelligence is coming along, and [millennials]already understand the value of that. So by combining the young physicians, and their ability to use technology, with all the experience of seniorphysicians ... that would make for the best health care system."

Read more articlesfrom CBC Newfoundland and Labrador