Only 18% of physicians are highly engaged at work, new study finds

Data underscores a deepening culture crisis in healthcare and an opportunity for organizations to rebuild trust, engagement, and balance 

Midvale, Utah – November 18, 2025 – Only 18% of physicians report being highly engaged in their workplaces, according to new data from CHG Healthcare’s Physician Sentiment Survey. The findings reveal a deepening culture crisis driven by administrative burdens, staffing shortages, and mounting pressure—but also identify clear pathways for improvement.

“Physicians are under enormous stress, burnout levels remain high, and the workforce shortage shows no signs of easing,” said Bill Heller, COO of CHG Healthcare. “However, this data also tells a more hopeful story. It gives us a road map, directly from the front lines, for what leaders can do right now to make healthcare better, for both clinicians and patients.” 

Key findings from the survey include: 

• While 74% report satisfaction in their current role, only 18% of physicians report being highly engaged in their workplaces. 

• While 57% of physicians trust their direct supervisors, only 41% trust executive leadership. 

• Just 40% believe executive leadership actively solicits physician input, despite 72% wanting to provide it. 

• Highly engaged physicians are 46% more likely to be satisfied with leadership transparency, and 40% are more likely to feel leadership communicates openly. 

• 90% of highly engaged physicians report that executive leadership actively seeks and incorporates their input. Among less engaged peers, this figure drops.  

• 34% cite leadership not listening as a major challenge, a figure that drops to just 8% among highly engaged physicians. 

“Although dissatisfaction with leadership can be tough to hear, it’s also a pain point that is likely within leadership’s ability to improve than more costly and complex factors such as compensation, scheduling, and work-life balance,” said Heller. “When leaders are accessible, visible, and open to physician input, it goes a long way toward building trust and improving morale.” 

The 2025 Physician Sentiments Survey was conducted in May 2025 by Hanover Research for CHG Healthcare. The study captured responses from 920 physicians currently practicing medicine within the U.S. healthcare system.

About CHG Healthcare

As the nation’s leading physician workforce experts, CHG Healthcare connects physicians, advanced practice providers, and allied health professionals with healthcare organizations nationwide—helping deliver high-quality care to more than 20 million patients every year. 

With more than 40 years of experience, CHG Healthcare and its family of brands deliver scalable, people-centered workforce solutions across the clinical spectrum—from locum tenens and permanent staffing to technology and advisory services—and are recognized for industry-leading Net Promoter Scores and partnerships with half of the nation’s largest health systems. 

Headquartered in Salt Lake City with offices across the country, CHG is recognized as a top workplace for its culture of care, growth, and purpose. Learn more at www.chghealthcare.com.