Objective Workforce shortages in hospitals have necessitated a focus on recruitment and retention of health professionals. The aim of this systematic review was to synthesise literature relating to factors that affect recruitment and retention of allied health professionals working in hospital settings.

Method PubMed, CINAHL (via EbscoHost), Embase (via Elsevier), and Scopus Advanced Search databases were used to retrieve 1665 studies, of which 16 were included. Herzberg’s two-factor theory was used to synthesise study findings and develop key themes.

Results Job advancement, company policies, supervision (leadership), working conditions, salary, recognition, and growth opportunities were factors identified as affecting recruitment and retention.

Conclusion Identified factors are largely amenable to change and could contribute to a more sustainable allied health workforce in hospitals and enhance the quality of care. This research could significantly impact and enhance the evidence supporting interventions and strategies that are critical for retaining the allied health workforce in hospitals.