Health workforce planning is shaped by the wider policy, economic, and regulatory environment in which it operates. The Environment domain of HEROES focuses on the external conditions that influence the success of workforce planning, including political commitment, cross-government collaboration, investment in the health system, and supportive legislative frameworks.

The Environment component promotes strong political and senior leadership support, improved governance and policy coordination, and collaborative approaches to workforce challenges. By fostering enabling policies, regulations, and partnerships, it helps create the conditions necessary for sustainable, long-term health workforce planning and implementation.