New Study from LocumTenens.com and Advisory Board Reveals Why Clinicians are Leaving—Even When They're Satisfied

Data reveals what drives clinician job decisions—and how healthcare leaders can respond

LocumTenens.com, a pioneer in healthcare staffing solutions, in partnership with healthcare research and advisory firm Advisory Board, today announced newly published research revealing a shifting landscape in clinician workforce dynamics—where job satisfaction no longer guarantees retention, compensation is only part of the equation, and priorities vary by role, age and employment model.

Based on a survey of more than 730 physicians and advanced practice providers (APPs) conducted in March 2025, the report titled “Survey insights: What to know about the clinician workforce today” uncovers how today’s clinicians are placing greater emphasis on schedule flexibility, work-life balance and autonomy—challenging long-held assumptions about what keeps healthcare professionals engaged and committed.

Key survey findings include that while 76% of clinicians report being satisfied with their current roles, 41% are considering switching jobs within the next two years—including 28% of those who are already satisfied in their current positions.

“The data in this report reinforces what we hear from clinicians every day: while compensation is important, it’s not the only factor driving career decisions,” said Chris Franklin, president of LocumTenens.com. “Flexibility, work-life balance and autonomy all play a significant role. These insights give healthcare leaders an opportunity to better align with clinician priorities in ways that support long-term satisfaction and continuity of patient care. It’s about understanding what clinicians value—and aligning talent and workforce strategies to meet those needs.”

The report’s insights also offer a data-driven roadmap for healthcare leaders seeking to improve recruitment and retention strategies. By understanding what truly matters to clinicians today, organizations can better align with evolving workforce expectations:

• Job satisfaction doesn’t equal retention: Nearly one-third of satisfied clinicians are still planning to change jobs within two years.
• Clinical autonomy and geographic flexibility rank higher for 1099s (clinicians who are self-employed or working through a staffing firm, including locum tenens professionals), while W-2 employees place more emphasis on employer-provided benefits and predictable scheduling.
• Compensation remains the top job selection factor, but non-pay priorities like schedule flexibility, work-life balance and benefits collectively outweigh compensation alone.
• Secondary job opportunities are often motivated by financial goals and scheduling flexibility. Among the one-third of clinicians who reported holding a second job, 75% of those roles were independent contractor positions—highlighting the appeal of locum tenens work as a supplement to primary employment.
• No single employer type is preferred across the board. Clinicians’ preferences vary widely depending on age, experience level and practice model.
• Clinicians who work through a staffing firm reported notably higher satisfaction with their work environments, citing better alignment with values, greater flexibility and more recognition.

“These findings validate what LocumTenens.com has observed firsthand. For a growing segment of the clinician workforce, locum tenens work is not just a career path—it’s a strategic choice that offers flexibility, autonomy and supplemental income without sacrificing quality of life,” concluded Franklin.

The full “Survey insights: What to know about the clinician workforce today” report is available for download here.

About Advisory Board

Advisory Board drives progress in healthcare with breakthrough insights that open minds and inspire action. With more than 40 years of experience, a team of nearly 200 experts, and a network of over 4,500 member organizations, Advisory Board empowers its members – and the entire healthcare industry – to confidently reimagine healthcare.

About LocumTenens.com

LocumTenens.com specializes in optimizing healthcare staffing operations with flexible, hybrid and temporary placement of physicians, advanced practitioners, social workers and psychologists. With a presence in more than 90% of the nation’s top healthcare facilities and supporting 150 medical specialties, LocumTenens.com is dedicated to improving healthcare through innovative staffing solutions connecting clients and clinicians to deliver exceptional and uninterrupted patient care. Founded in 1995, LocumTenens.com is the largest provider of locum tenens services in the U.S. and a leader in the healthcare staffing industry, placing more than 7,000 clinicians annually who deliver care to more than 10 million patients. Headquartered in Alpharetta, Georgia, LocumTenens.com is part of the Jackson Healthcare® family of companies. Learn more at LocumTenens.com.

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