Mercer leads the way in people-centred healthcare transformation 

  • Contributor
    John Derse
    Health Industry Leader, Mercer
  • Contributor
    Gisele Norris
    Managing Director, US National Healthcare Practice, Marsh

For the second consecutive year, Mercer has earned a prestigious four-star ranking on the 2024 Forbes and Statista list of The World's Best Management Consulting Firms, recognised for excellence in healthcare and life sciences consulting.

Among 223 firms, Mercer stood out based on client recommendations. What distinguishes us is our deep global industry expertise, innovative provider-specific solutions and a strong foundation in HR, rewards, benefits, investments and technology — all driving our commitment to people-focused healthcare transformation.
The US healthcare system faces significant strain from worker burnout, compensation challenges and critical labour shortages, worsened by rising costs and widening health equity gaps. Advances in technology, automation and certainly AI offer transformative opportunities for patient care and operational efficiency but also bring challenges that must be carefully managed to ensure safe and equitable implementation.
 John Derse, Senior Partner and Healthcare Industry Leader, Mercer

Addressing new and persistent challenges

While ongoing staff shortages and rising costs persist and plague the industry, the swift rise of AI and other technologies have the potential to revolutionise healthcare by unlocking new possibilities for improved patient care, operational efficiency and organisational growth. Yet, as with any new technology, these developments introduce challenges and risks that require thoughtful management to guarantee fair and secure integration.[1]

Navigating this new terrain demands a tailored approach that recognises the needs of each provider and their workforce. Mercer is the unparalleled global partner of choice, as confirmed by the Forbes award.

Mercer's expertise in healthcare awarded four-star rating

World’s best Management Consulting Firms – Forbes 2024
Mercer works with over 600 healthcare organisations and is supported by 300-plus healthcare industry professionals worldwide. In fact, 75% of the US top hospitals partner with us, including 80% of the top teaching hospitals.[2]

Mitigate risk, maximise opportunity

Mercer is “driven by data.” Healthcare leaders must understand and fully leverage the incredible amount of data that is available in healthcare today. By leveraging data to assess risks and opportunities, healthcare providers can enhance patient care and operational efficiency while addressing the overall employee experience, so critical to the attraction and retention of healthcare talent today. 

Our healthcare workforce optimisation solution uses AI-powered workforce planning to close the gap between workforce labour supply and demand. It helps healthcare clients to tune out the noise, simulate staffing solutions and evolve and refine models based on real-world outcomes. 

Using advanced analytics to solve healthcare staffing challenges

  • Understand turnover

    • Understand the market forces behind workforce dynamics
    • Optimise your workforce and chart the path towards long-term goals
    • Customise EVPs to target what matters for each critical staff member

  • Create capacity

    • Balance external labour market factors with internal needs
    • Explore targeted solutions for pain points and model cost-effectiveness
    • Overcome workforce innovation barriers

  • Redesign work

    • Simulate solutions for more efficient job roles and skill levels
    • Create fit-for-purpose EVPs
    • Bend the supply/demand curve by working differently

Uniquely positioned for strategic support

The Forbes award underscores the value we bring to healthcare organisations. Our expertise spans core benefits and compensation consulting, risk strategy and broader HR consulting around work redesign, backed by the depth of global resources from the Marsh McLennan group of companies. We are uniquely positioned to help healthcare organisations with risk, strategy and people. Mercer is the only organisation with a core focus on human capital the received Forbes’s four-star ranking.
We are a strategic adviser with a vision for sustainable transformation, offering tools, technology and insights to drive lasting, impactful change. Our extensive experience and unique capabilities differentiate us from other consulting firms in this sector.
Gisele Norris, Commercial Global Industry Leader and US Healthcare Practice Leader, Marsh McLennan
Model of Marsh McLennan healthcare supporting risk strategy people

[1] 2023-2024 US News and World Report Top Hospitals

[2] Forbes Fortune/PINC AI 100 Top Hospitals 2023: Teaching Hospitals available at www.forbes.com

About the author(s)
John Derse
Gisele Norris
Related solutions
Related insights

Contact a specialist

Speak with a Mercer consultant.