New Study Highlights Gender Issues in Healthcare Workforce Strategies

A prominent new study reminds healthcare industry leaders to remain alert to gender issues when developing human capital strategies. This follows the recent release of the 2025 edition of McKinsey/LeanIn.org’s long-recognized “Women in the Workplace” study (“Study”). However, any responsive strategies shoudl reflect awareness of the legal and compliance realities of the current workplace surroundings.

The Study’s Background. The McKinsey/LeanIn.org effort warrants attention amidst the many end-of-year reports prepared by accounting, academic, and public interest groups. Published annually for over ten years, “Women in the Workplace” is generally regarded as the most prominent study on the state of women’s employment in American business. Grounded in extensive sourcing, the study aims to provide corporate leaders with details and recommendations to advance the role of women in the workplace.

Industry Relevance. The study is especially relevant to the healthcare industry for three specific reasons:

First, women constitute a significant percentage (up to 80%) of the country’s healthcare workforce, according to data from governmental, consulting, and academic organizations.

Second, boards are increasingly recognized as having a fiduciary responsibility for oversight of human capital, and workforce culture specifically. This responsibility stems from the value attributed to a positive workforce culture as a corporate asset.

Third, gender-based human capital decisions now implicate corporate compliance and enterprise risk concerns, given significant policy shifts at both federal and state levels.

Key Takeaways

• The McKinsey/LeanIn.org “Women in the Workplace” study is a key resource for understanding gender dynamics in the workforce.
• Healthcare, with its predominantly female workforce, should pay close attention to the study’s findings.
• Boards now have a crucial role in overseeing human capital and workforce culture.
• Gender-based decisions carry increasing compliance and risk implications.