Document Type
Article
Abstract
This paper explores the critical role of employer-provided health insurance in employee recruitment and retention, focusing on the nursing industry in Iowa. As labor markets grow increasingly competitive, especially in industries such as healthcare, non-wage benefits like health insurance can be an important factor influencing job choice and employee loyalty. This paper connects labor economic theory with employment data from Iowa nursing homes, to demonstrate that health insurance can significantly enhance employee satisfaction and reduce turnover and can do so more effectively than wage increases alone. The paper argues that in professions especially with high demand, such as nursing, investment in quality health coverage is essential for employers seeking to build and maintain a stable, experienced workforce. Findings suggest that health insurance is more effective than wage increases alone in reducing turnover, with policy relevance beyond Iowa.
Publication Date
July 2025
Journal Title
Proceedings of the Jepson Undergraduate Conference on International Economics
Volume
7
Issue
1
Copyright
©2025 by Proceedings of the Jepson Undergraduate Conference on International Economics
Language
en
File Format
application/pdf
Recommended Citation
Garcia, J. T.
(2025)
"Health Insurance Benefits as a Tool for Employee Attraction and Retention: Evidence from the Nursing Industry,"
Proceedings of the Jepson Undergraduate Conference on International Economics: Vol. 7, Article 1.
Available at:
https://scholarworks.uni.edu/jucie/vol7/iss1/1