Leveraging data to address people risks in healthcare
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Employees drive patient care, innovation and success, yet without proactive management, they also introduce risks that can impact operations, reputation and overall resilience. By harnessing and analyzing comprehensive data, healthcare organizations hold a unique power to foresee and address these risks — mitigating current threats while preparing for those on the horizon.
Healthcare providers, more than organizations in almost any other sector, have access to a wealth of data that can reveal trends, identify vulnerabilities and suggest targeted interventions. However, the key challenge lies in adopting a structured and disciplined approach to people risk management — integrating data across clinical, operational and HR silos to create a clear, actionable path forward. This blog underscores why and how healthcare organizations must take an enterprise-wide, data-driven approach to manage people risks to safeguard their workforce.
Moving from reactive to proactive risk management
The healthcare sector faces unique people risks due to its dynamic nature and the intense demands placed on its workforce. Mercer Marsh Benefits’ (MMB) recent global study on people risks in healthcare, involving insights from C-suite, HR and risk professionals across 26 countries, sheds light on the vulnerabilities faced by these organizations. People risks — business risks stemming from workforce-related factors such as culture, skills gaps and employee well-being — pose considerable challenges for healthcare providers if left unmanaged.
The MMB study highlights three primary pillars shaping people risks in healthcare:
- Technological change and disruption
- Talent, leadership and workforce practices
- Health, well-being and safety
Each pillar represents an area of risk that can be effectively managed through data analysis and strategic planning. By integrating data insights into decision-making, healthcare organizations can transition from reactive to proactive risk management.
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Navigating technological change and disruption
Technology is reshaping healthcare, introducing new avenues for patient care and operational efficiencies. However, it also brings fresh challenges, particularly in areas like cybersecurity, where human error contributes significantly to data breaches and vulnerabilities. The average cost of a data breach in 2024 is projected to be US$4.88 million, with human error being a contributing factor in many of these breaches.1 Additionally, the MMB research found that 47% of healthcare leaders expressed concerns about cyberattacks, a threat exacerbated by organizational culture and gaps in cybersecurity awareness. A further 40% worry about employee over-reliance on AI-generated content without proper verification — an area where trust without checks could have serious repercussions.
Data provides healthcare organizations with the insights needed to mitigate these technology-related risks. By analyzing employee engagement with cybersecurity protocols and tracking patterns in data breaches or other security incidents, organizations can pinpoint vulnerabilities and focus on areas requiring immediate attention. Data-driven solutions, like predictive modeling, can help forecast the likelihood of cyberattacks or identify departments where employees may be particularly reliant on unverified AI-generated content. The goal is to manage risk and cultivate a culture of vigilance and continuous improvement.
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Addressing talent, leadership and workforce practices
The healthcare industry relies heavily on a skilled, dedicated workforce to deliver high-quality care. Yet, talent shortages and workforce retention are ongoing issues and will be for some time to come. According to the MMB survey, 45% of healthcare organizations report challenges in securing specialized skills, while 42% of respondents cite a lack of career growth opportunities as a factor in talent retention. Additionally, with 39% reporting that their reward packages fall short of meeting the diverse needs of today's workforce, it's clear that effective talent management must adopt a more tailored approach to mitigate workforce shortages and protect both professional liability and organizational reputation.
Data plays a crucial role in addressing these workforce challenges to identify skill gaps, assess training effectiveness and track career progression patterns, thereby better understanding which factors contribute to talent retention and engagement. Enhanced employee listening, through targeted surveys and digital focus groups, can provide insights into whether current workforce practices meet the needs of employees. When healthcare providers leverage data to make informed decisions about what employees want and need, they are better able to attract and retain critical talent.
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Enhancing health, well-being and safety
Healthcare workers are exposed to high levels of physical and psychological stress. Burnout, mental health issues and safety concerns are prevalent, underscoring the need for a more comprehensive approach to employee well-being.
The MMB survey highlights that:
- 35% of healthcare supervisors struggle to address employee mental health issues
- 33% note insufficient well-being programs in their organizations
- 28% report unsustainable workloads among their staff
The repercussions are serious: Nearly half of the organizations surveyed have seen increased sickness absence, long-term disability claims and workers' compensation claims due to inadequate risk management around health and well-being.
An enterprise approach to creating a resilient workforce
The responsibility to manage people risks effectively is a pressing concern for healthcare leaders. A disciplined, data-driven enterprise approach offers a clear advantage, allowing healthcare providers to anticipate and mitigate risks before they escalate into crises. Integrating data from across the organization — spanning clinical, operational and HR departments — enables a holistic view of people risks, facilitating a more resilient and prepared workforce. In addition, breaking through interdepartmental silos fosters better communication and transparency.
Healthcare providers are uniquely positioned to leverage their access to extensive data sets. By investing in the right tools, practices and partnerships to harness this data, they can create a safer, more supportive environment for their employees while simultaneously safeguarding their operational stability and patient care.
Are you interested in learning more about people risks?
You can download the complete global report here.
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