Public Health Leadership Perceptions on Early Career Workforce in Ohio Post-COVID-19

Introduction: The public health workforce changed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, shifting toward a younger and less experienced workforce. In response, research was conducted to capture the perceptions of local public health department leadership across Ohio. A survey was used to assess early career staff’s preparedness, leadership, and development. Methods: A survey was developed to collect the responses of members from prominent public health associations in Ohio, including the Ohio Public Health Association (OPHA) and Ohio Environmental Health Association (OEHA). Data from 100 responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Additionally, thematic analysis was conducted utilizing the survey’s qualitative data. Results: While the majority (58%) of respondents believe early career staff are prepared for roles at local health departments, only 36% reported that should an important role suddenly come open an early career employee is prepared to fill it. Respondents overwhelmingly agree that early career staff are provided opportunity to develop and demonstrate leadership skills both within and beyond their specific role in the agency. Additionally, respondents identified heavy workloads as the most common barrier to early career staff getting involved with their agencies beyond their daily role. Ultimately only 55% of respondents believe their agency is doing enough to prepare the next generation of public health leaders. Conclusions: A disconnect was identified between the perceived degree of development and leadership opportunities for early career public health professionals and the perception of readiness for more significant roles within departments. Improving communication of these opportunities from the top down could improve readiness and development.