Managing the laboratory technical workforce.

The shortage of clinical laboratory personnel continues to be of concern for many clinical laboratories. With the projected need for more clinical laboratory personnel in the coming years coupled with an aging workforce, effective management of the clinical laboratory workforce is essential to meet the demand for staffing in the near future and beyond. Innovative techniques for recruiting and retention; training and competency assessment; staffing and scheduling; communication, motivation, and recognition; and technology solutions to increase efficiency are critical to ensure the future viability of laboratories.