ShiftKey recently made headlines in a segment aired on local news stations across the country, highlighting our recent findings on how social media is influencing career choices for younger generations. ShiftKey’s Chief Legal and Public Affairs Officer, Regan Parker, shared key insights from our research, shedding light on how platforms like TikTok and Instagram are steering younger generations away from essential "hero jobs,” such as nursing, firefighting and teaching.
According to ShiftKey’s “Social Media, Gen Z and the Future of Nursing” report, 66% of Gen Z and 81% of college graduates use social media as their primary source for career advice. As Parker explains, “Gen Z is going on social media — TikTok, Instagram — and seeing content that is really negative about these types of jobs. It's influencing their decision about whether or not to pursue these careers. It's actually having more of an influence than family, friends and school.”
Our findings show that social media is contributing to a growing disinterest in critical industries. Seventy-eight percent of Gen Zers who avoided nursing said that more positive content could have changed their decision. Regan emphasizes, “Unless we figure out how to entice these workers into the field, we're going to continue to see that gap grow.”
With the healthcare sector facing historic workforce shortages, ShiftKey remains committed to addressing these challenges through innovative technology. We know that flexibility is a key factor for this generation and will be a critical part of ensuring that the workforce continues to grow. Our marketplace empowers independent healthcare professionals to choose when and where they work, providing the flexibility that today’s workforce demands.
Watch the full segment to learn more about our insights, and try a demo of ShiftKey today to see how the future of work is being reshaped for independent healthcare professionals.
