If healthcare organizations suddenly had an extra $100 million to invest, where would that money make the biggest difference? A new Becker’s Healthcare poll conducted between September 16 and 23, 2025, reveals that most healthcare leaders agree on one thing workforce development remains the top priority for driving long-term impact.
With 283 votes from healthcare professionals across various sectors, the poll explored how organizations would allocate additional clinical funds to strengthen operations, patient care, and innovation.
Workforce Development Tops the List
According to the survey, 40% of respondents said they would invest in workforce development first.
This focus reflects the growing urgency to address staffing shortages, burnout, and skill gaps that continue to strain the healthcare system.
Investing in education, upskilling, and retention programs not only improves morale but also ensures consistent, high-quality patient care, especially in high-demand areas like nursing, primary care, and specialized treatment.
Healthcare executives emphasize that workforce investments have a compounding effect: better-trained teams improve efficiency, reduce turnover, and enhance patient satisfaction over time.
Operations Take Second Place
Coming in close behind, 37% of respondents selected operations as their top funding priority.
Operational investments often target areas like facility upgrades, supply chain improvements, or technology integration.
With healthcare systems under pressure to do more with less, leaders are increasingly turning to automation and AI-driven process improvements to streamline workflows and reduce administrative overhead.
Safety and Quality Still Essential But Less Prioritized
While safety and quality remain foundational to healthcare, only 18% of respondents said they would direct their $100 million toward these initiatives first.
Experts suggest this lower ranking may be due to existing compliance and quality frameworks already in place meaning leaders feel their immediate attention is better spent on workforce and operational resilience.
Still, healthcare safety initiatives, particularly those focusing on infection prevention and patient monitoring, continue to play a crucial role in long-term system stability.
A Glimpse Into “Other” Priorities
About 5% of respondents chose “Other,” with comments revealing several emerging investment areas, including:
- AI tools and automation for clinical decision support
- Gap analysis programs to identify inefficiencies
- Chronic disease management initiatives
- Patient engagement platforms to improve experience and retention
These insights highlight a growing recognition that digital transformation and patient-centered strategies are now integral to healthcare innovation.
Final Thoughts:
The 2025 Becker’s Healthcare poll makes one message clear the future of healthcare investment is human-centered.
Workforce development leads the way, but technology and operational efficiency remain close behind as healthcare systems strive to balance clinical excellence with financial sustainability.
Whether it’s building stronger teams, modernizing infrastructure, or adopting smarter tools, healthcare leaders agree that strategic investments today will shape a more resilient, efficient, and patient-focused industry tomorrow.
