Healthcare Sector Faces Critical Workforce Challenges as HRO Today Announces 2026 Front of the Frontline Awards

Healthcare organizations are entering 2026 under pressure from persistent staffing shortages, clinician burnout, rising labor costs, and the disruptive integration of AI and automation. Left unchecked, these challenges risk compromising patient care, employee well-being, and the long-term resilience of the healthcare sector. For more than a decade, HRO Today has recognized the dedication and achievements of HR executives at its global forums. In keeping with this long tradition, the 2026 Summit will once again shine a spotlight on HR leaders and teams who play a critical role in supporting the healthcare workers on the frontlines—ensuring they remain engaged, resilient, and ready to deliver improved patient outcomes.

The Front of the Frontline Awards will be presented at an awards reception during the Summit. This prestigious recognition highlights individuals and teams who exemplify excellence in HR strategy, execution and workforce planning within the healthcare sector. The sector is among the greatest challenges in staffing in any industry. Award categories include the HR Healthcare Leadership Award and Healthcare Talent Acquisition Team of the Year Award. Nominations can be submitted using the Nomination Form available on the organization's website.

The deadline for nominations is November 21, 2025, and there is no fee to apply. However, nominees selected as Leaders of Distinction must be able to attend the HRO Today People in Healthcare Summit in Phoenix. The healthcare industry's workforce challenges represent a critical inflection point for the entire sector, with implications for patient safety, quality of care, and organizational sustainability. The integration of artificial intelligence and automation technologies adds another layer of complexity to an already strained system, requiring innovative HR approaches to support clinical staff through technological transitions.

These workforce issues have far-reaching implications beyond individual healthcare organizations, affecting community health outcomes and the overall stability of the healthcare delivery system. The recognition program comes at a crucial time when healthcare HR professionals are being called upon to develop creative solutions to attract, retain, and support clinical staff facing unprecedented challenges. The awards program aims to highlight successful strategies that could be replicated across the industry to address the systemic workforce issues threatening healthcare delivery nationwide.