Health tech hopefuls might once have been used to a wealth of job options, especially in the pandemic’s early stages when investors pumped record-breaking dollar amounts into an unprecedented number of ventures.
That glut of opportunities meant workers could bargain harder for better job offers, demanding perks and flexibilities like permanent remote work or expensive fertility benefits. But belt-tightening and market consolidation across health tech companies have tipped the scales back in favor of employers, who are continuing to hire — for a seemingly dwindling number of positions.
It might feel like a downturn, although it’s possible that the industry is simply easing back into its pre-pandemic normal, before the massive infusion of venture dollars and the hype surrounding virtual care, said Brookings Institution research fellow Niam Yaraghi, who studies health care employment.