e-Leadership needs of professionals in digitalised health and social care

Abstract Background Digitalisation is changing the work of health and social care professionals, ultimately affecting the quality of services. Simultaneously, leaders need to adopt new approaches to managing digital and remote work, known as e-leadership. So far, little is known about what professionals expect from their leaders as their work evolves due to digitalisation. This study aims to address this gap by examining professionals’ needs for e-leadership. Methods We employed qualitative group interviews, utilising the Nominal Group Technique (NGT). Seven NGT sessions were conducted in three Finnish Wellbeing Services Counties, with health and social care professionals (n = 33) from primary services, including nurses, social care professionals, physicians, and physiotherapists. Data were analysed using an inductive approach. Results Six e-leadership preferences were identified: 1) Supporting professionals, including promoting well-being in digital and remote work settings and leaders being accessible; 2) Developing competencies, focusing on enhancing professionals’ skills, sufficient orientation time, and leaders’ expertise; 3) Promoting motivation and encouraging experimentation, highlighting leading by example, flexibility, and fostering innovation; 4) Resourcing digital work, including managing working hours, limiting digital task burdens, and ensuring functional work equipment; 5) Improving communication and guidance, focusing on timely, relevant, and accessible information; 6) Managing implementation processes of digital tools and services, emphasising pre-planning, anticipating difficulties, and utilising feedback. Conclusions The study demonstrates the many possibilities and multifaceted role of leaders in fostering a supportive and effective digital work environment for professionals, crucial for quality public health services. In 2025-2026, these findings will be complemented with a survey study and Delphi panel to develop practical e-leadership guidelines. Key messages • As digitalisation transforms health and social care work, leaders play a key role in providing adequate support, promoting continuous competence development, and fostering a culture of experimentation. • Leaders are also expected to possess a realistic understanding of the resource demands of digital work and know the digital tools and services professionals use in their daily practice.