Evaluating Worker Preferences to Tackle Staffing Shortages in Local Health Departments: A Discrete Choice Experiment

Objective: This study aimed to enhance recruitment strategies of local health departments (LHDs) by examining worker preferences for compensation and organizational characteristics. Study Design: Data from a discrete choice experiment conducted in September 2022 were analyzed using a multinomial logit model to estimate the value of workplace characteristics including salary, contract length, flexible arrangements, employer type, and perks. The study included working-age adults (18-65 years) willing or able to work for pay, without prior experience in governmental public health departments. Findings: All workers prioritized competitive salaries, flexible work arrangements, and jobs at nonprofit organizations with compelling missions. Some workers valued loan forgiveness programs and performance-based promotions. Finally, applicants generally did not avoid jobs in the public health sector. Conclusions and implications: Competitive salaries are pivotal in attracting and retaining skilled workers in the public health sector. LHDs should conduct comprehensive salary studies benchmarked against other competing employers, effectively highlight the mission and public service responsibilities of jobs posted, and update internal policies, including flexible work hours and remote work options, to align with the preferences of the modern workforce.