The Times Australia
Health

.

Lessons from COVID-19: what the pandemic taught us about building a resilient healthcare workforce

  • Written by Jade Mortlock, Randstad’s National Healthcare Solutions

There is an unspoken expectation that health and social care workers are, by nature, resilient. If there is a lesson to be learnt from COVID-19, it is that we cannot expect this of anyone, least of all frontline workers. 


Drawing on findings from Randstad’s Healthcare and Resilience report and interviews with healthcare professionals and Randstad sector experts, I will share some of the learnings we’ve taken from healthcare and how to apply them in your organisation. 


Demands on healthcare 


After 14 years working in the health and social care sector, I am well aware of the many challenges that the healthcare industry faces. The ongoing struggle of supply versus demand of suitably qualified health and social care, rural and remote workforce shortages, and the attraction of overseas trained clinicians to meet increasing demand to name a few. These are ongoing issues which continue to pose issues in the healthcare landscape which demand an urgent call for action. 


“With international borders closed, and with no open date in sight, we are yet to fully feel the extent of cutting off the supply of internationally trained healthcare professionals will have on our system; most notably for rural and remote regions.” 


The key findings from the latest Randstad talent trends report suggest that alternative employment models are needed to prepare for uncertainties and build a smart health ecosystem. For example, I am currently working to deliver health and social care talent and workforce solutions within the public and private hospital networks, the not-for-profit arena and also to commercial organisations. From this broad experience it has become apparent to me that a strategic workforce roadmap that considers total talent management solutions as well as outsourced solutions that are delivered under reasonable and commercial parameters, is the solution. 


How to build resilience in health and social care 


The pandemic has proved that necessity is the mother of invention – health and social care providers have discovered new ways of working, new ways of engaging and new ways of harnessing technology. The rapid digital adoption driven by COVID-19 means there is improved access capabilities and transformation of healthcare systems.  


Workforce shortages and access challenges were able to be resolved through the implementation of technology which provided regional and remote areas, as well as elderly and vulnerable people, access to virtual care models such as telehealth services and end-to-end prescription.


While Australia had some natural advantages in dealing with the pandemic, key outtakes from the report suggest that the need for cooperation between private and public health and state and federal authorities was quickly recognised and acted upon. 


As a result, what would have otherwise taken years of development, happened within a few months. This was vital to the success of the healthcare response. 


At the Committee for Economic Development of Australia (CEDA)s Human Services Health and Technology webinar, professor Mary Foley, managing director of Telstra Health presented on the consumer adoption of these innovative care models, which, for some, is now becoming the preferred method for receiving care. She also talked about how the health and social care industry can leverage its benefits in the future. 


“The key challenge is how we capture the benefits of digital adoption and sustain the ongoing development of these models as we move from a crisis management model to the new ‘business as usual’ going forward,” She said at the event. 


In fact, Randstad’s report also highlights how healthcare professionals learned to be resilient as they rapidly adjusted their practice to include technology. I believe that this new normal will see a new partnership forged with education to deliver better training for providers on how to operate between technology platforms and each other. However, it is important to recognise that an enormous part of the workforce is well into their careers, and change-management will also be a key aspect of that education component. 


We should remember that health and social care workers are heroes, not superheroes. The extreme expectation for workers in this professional group to simultaneously complete studies in a clinical setting, perform with empathy and appropriate bedside manner and possess refined soft skills, while also navigating the challenges of the COVID-19 environment can be overwhelming. 


We are asking healthcare workers to be superheroes, and there are very few professions that require people to be technical, empathetic, and have clinical capabilities.


Instead, helping health and social care workers to develop a positive attitude towards stressful situations can build a happier, more productive workforce. For example, nursing Manager, Tracy Churchill is interviewed in the report and stresses the importance of teaching that “stress can be motivating and helpful”. 


The healthcare workforce of the future


As an industry, Australia’s healthcare system has shown resilience in the way it has been forced to respond with unprecedented agility to the COVID-19 pandemic, but for the individual health worker, resilience is a personal journey. 


It’s for this reason then that healthcare professionals should be given the opportunity to be equally agile in the way they attempt to navigate their own path to resilience.


Randstad’s Health and Resilience report highlights the importance of prioritising the safety, security and health of the individual, and states that employers offering comprehensive support to stressed workers will likely see the return on investment from a healthier, more productive workforce.


The report also highlights five key learnings that can be applied to any business:


  • Stress the positive
  • Engage and empower
  • Safeguard mental health
  • Strengthen agility and prevention
  • Embrace tech

Discover our solutions


For more information download Randstad’s full report ‘Building a Resilient Healthcare Workforce’

Times Magazine

Headless CMS in Digital Twins and 3D Product Experiences

Image by freepik As the metaverse becomes more advanced and accessible, it's clear that multiple sectors will use digital twins and 3D product experiences to visualize, connect, and streamline efforts better. A digital twin is a virtual replica of ...

The Decline of Hyper-Casual: How Mid-Core Mobile Games Took Over in 2025

In recent years, the mobile gaming landscape has undergone a significant transformation, with mid-core mobile games emerging as the dominant force in app stores by 2025. This shift is underpinned by changing user habits and evolving monetization tr...

Understanding ITIL 4 and PRINCE2 Project Management Synergy

Key Highlights ITIL 4 focuses on IT service management, emphasising continual improvement and value creation through modern digital transformation approaches. PRINCE2 project management supports systematic planning and execution of projects wit...

What AI Adoption Means for the Future of Workplace Risk Management

Image by freepik As industrial operations become more complex and fast-paced, the risks faced by workers and employers alike continue to grow. Traditional safety models—reliant on manual oversight, reactive investigations, and standardised checklist...

From Beach Bops to Alpine Anthems: Your Sonos Survival Guide for a Long Weekend Escape

Alright, fellow adventurers and relaxation enthusiasts! So, you've packed your bags, charged your devices, and mentally prepared for that glorious King's Birthday long weekend. But hold on, are you really ready? Because a true long weekend warrior kn...

Effective Commercial Pest Control Solutions for a Safer Workplace

Keeping a workplace clean, safe, and free from pests is essential for maintaining productivity, protecting employee health, and upholding a company's reputation. Pests pose health risks, can cause structural damage, and can lead to serious legal an...

The Times Features

The Role of Your GP in Creating a Chronic Disease Management Plan That Works

Living with a long-term condition, whether that is diabetes, asthma, arthritis or heart disease, means making hundreds of small decisions every day. You plan your diet against m...

Troubleshooting Flickering Lights: A Comprehensive Guide for Homeowners

Image by rawpixel.com on Freepik Effectively addressing flickering lights in your home is more than just a matter of convenience; it's a pivotal aspect of both home safety and en...

My shins hurt after running. Could it be shin splints?

If you’ve started running for the first time, started again after a break, or your workout is more intense, you might have felt it. A dull, nagging ache down your shins after...

Metal Roof Replacement Cost Per Square Metre in 2025: A Comprehensive Guide for Australian Homeowners

In recent years, the trend of installing metal roofs has surged across Australia. With their reputation for being both robust and visually appealing, it's easy to understand thei...

Why You’re Always Adjusting Your Bra — and What to Do Instead

Image by freepik It starts with a gentle tug, then a subtle shift, and before you know it, you're adjusting your bra again — in the middle of work, at dinner, even on the couch. I...

How to Tell If Your Eyes Are Working Harder Than They Should Be

Image by freepik Most of us take our vision for granted—until it starts to let us down. Whether it's squinting at your phone, rubbing your eyes at the end of the day, or feeling ...