Access to healthcare is an often overlooked but increasingly important factor in the business site selection process. For companies evaluating where to locate a facility, whether it id a manufacturing plant, corporate office, or distribution center, the availability and quality of nearby healthcare services can have a direct impact on workforce stability, employee satisfaction, and long-term operational resilience. A location with strong healthcare infrastructure signals to prospective employees that their well-being and that of their families will be supported, which can be a powerful recruitment and retention tool, especially in competitive labor markets.
From a risk management perspective, healthcare access plays a critical role in reducing absenteeism and supporting occupational health. In industries with physically demanding work, such as manufacturing, logistics, or construction, proximity to clinics, urgent care centers, and hospitals is essential for managing workplace injuries or illnesses quickly and efficiently. Moreover, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, many companies have reassessed their crisis preparedness, placing higher value on regions that can offer coordinated public health responses and reliable medical services.
For executives and site selectors evaluating quality of life metrics, healthcare access often complements other factors such as education, housing, and transportation. Communities that invest in modern healthcare facilities are more likely to attract skilled professionals, including those with families, which in turn strengthens the local talent pool. Additionally, businesses considering rural or economically distressed areas often work with local development organizations to assess whether existing healthcare services are adequate—or if strategic partnerships, mobile clinics, or telehealth expansions might be necessary to support a future workforce. In this way, access to healthcare is a strategic consideration tied to productivity, resilience, and economic competitiveness.
Nicole Wadsworth, PhD, MBA, MS
Alabama