The BeWell Skills Strategy offers a forward-looking plan to support the digital and green upskilling and reskilling of the health and care workforce across Europe. For health managers like you, the Strategy provides clear direction on how to strengthen your organisation’s capacity and resilience.

As the health sector faces growing challenges from demographic changes, chronic illnesses, workforce shortages, and environmental pressures, your leadership in workforce development is critical. The Strategy recognises that effective management must go hand in hand with targeted investment in staff skills, wellbeing, and system innovation. Key elements relevant to your role include:

• Strategic workforce planning to assess and address skill gaps - particularly in digital technologies and sustainable care practices.
• Support for digital transformation, with training aligned to emerging roles (e.g., telehealth coordination, data analytics) and tools that reduce administrative burden.
• Integration of green competences into training and operations - such as sustainable procurement, building design, and environmental impact reduction.
• Strengthening soft skills (e.g., communication, adaptability, teamwork) that support team cohesion and multidisciplinary collaboration.
• Promoting workforce wellbeing through smarter workflows, healthier workplaces, and innovations that reduce stress and burnout.
• Embedding life-long learning (LLL) and continuing professional development (CPD) into organisational culture - ensuring equitable access across all roles and settings.

The Strategy also encourages health managers to collaborate with education providers, policymakers, and funders to align training with service needs and strategic goals. Your role is pivotal in implementing the Strategy at the organisational level and creating environments where staff feel supported, skilled, and motivated to deliver high-quality care.

For further information, you can read the full version of the Skills Strategy here and the summary here.