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Impact of Covid 19 on Human Resource Management

 



The coronavirus (COVID-19) has quickly spread over the world, prompting the World Health Organization (WHO) to designate it a pandemic (WHO, 2021). COVID-19 has a global influence because of its tremendous impact on not only health but also societal well-being and economic activities. It has a profound impact on every person and business. Organizations are unable to function regularly since social isolation, travel bans or limitations, and lockdowns have become necessary measures to combat COVID-19's exponential expansion. To flatten the curve of coronavirus, organizations have been employing alternate tactics like as working from home. Managers have no other choice because "contamination on surfaces handled by employees and consumers is one of the main ways that COVID-19 spreads," according to the CDC (WHO, 2020, p. 1).


HRM Challenges due to the Covid-19

1. Managing Remote Work

The transition to a remote work culture isn't as straightforward as it may look. Only approximately half of all organizations had a remote work program before the COVID-19 outbreak. Remote working was also discouraged by banks, regulated industries, and many financial services companies. Almost all of them are now hurrying to develop solutions for remote work.

This has resulted in a slew of previously unknown issues. HR managers are attempting to create seamless channels and methods in order to address the issues it presents. Strategies are no longer developed on a regular basis or in advance, but rather in real time. The emphasis has changed away from employee productivity and engagement and toward fast answers and diagnosis. To provide staff with the necessary tools and to obtain real-time updates from them on a regular basis in order to untangle the complexities and provide help.

2. Mental Health and Wellbeing

Employee health and happiness suffered as a result of the rapid shift in work culture. Stress, anxiety, and other mental health illnesses have always existed, and this is not a new story.

Organizations have always been initiating wellness programs and providing employees with security, health benefits, and flexibility to help them overcome their health issues. But the sudden COVID-19 outbreak has brought the employees’ mental problems to the front seat.

3. Lack of Agility

The lack of agility is one of the main reasons why HR departments are underperforming.

Many HR departments aren't built to be flexible. And this has a significant impact on HR professionals. It is vital to respond swiftly and move quickly in this circumstance. However, there are a number of approvals that must be obtained before action may be taken. This slows down the process of gathering data and taking the quick actions that a crisis necessitates.

As a result, becoming more flexible in their approach and re-prioritizing firm goals, as well as having proper communication and alignment among middle management and leaders, is now a must.

4. Employee Communication

Another important difficulty that is high on the priority list is communication. Communication is a crucial issue that must be considered regardless of whether the workforce is working remotely or not. It is impossible to manage a staff without effective communication channels.

The COVID-19 problem, for example, kept HR professionals on their toes. It kept them on the lookout for the ideal remote working tools to fit their working style. Though solutions like Zoom or Slack are frequently utilized to fulfill the demands of the workforce, getting everyone on the same page is far from sufficient.

HR staff, for the most part, are doing their best by sharing information-

  • Updates about the organization's policies and procedures,

  • Updates from business leaders via email or video,Links to valuable external information sources,

  •  Communication on HR policies related to the crisis is ongoing.

  •  Health presentations and training events are also available.

5. Uncertainty

Uncertainty has the ability to paralyze everyone. The fear of not knowing what the future contains or what steps to take to keep the company running is a tremendous problem. Uncertainty, unfortunately, affects us all in some way.

Employees are affected psychologically since they don't know what the future holds for them. The HR reams are working hard to get things in order.  To react to the circumstance and design appropriate actions and tactics that will benefit all parties involved.

6. Employee Engagement

The ultimate purpose of the organization is for its employees to be productive. When staff are working remotely, especially during a crisis, it can be difficult to keep them interested. Internal communication is hampered, making it difficult to keep everyone on the same page.

It's a challenge to stick to a routine and even embrace a structured workflow when you're working from home. When the teams are cross-functional, you have little control over how they are managed. Not updating them on a regular basis or failing to schedule meetings/ sessions can have a significant negative influence on their morale.


References

Emerald Publishing. 2021. Covid-19: The Role of Human Resources Management in Time of Uncertainty. [online] Available at: <https://www.emeraldgrouppublishing.com/journal/bl/covid-19-role-human-resources-management-time-uncertainty> [Accessed 10 December 2021].

Nurture an Engaged and Satisfied Workforce | Vantage Circle HR Blog. 2021. Challenges of HR And Its Shift Post COVID-19 Pandemic. [online] Available at: <https://blog.vantagecircle.com/challenges-of-hr/> [Accessed 10 December 2021].


Comments

  1. Anuruddha ShanakaDecember 12, 2021 at 9:21 PM

    Organizations should be ready to respond immediately and have their action plans prepared and also technological advancements support Work from Home in a significant way. It is because of technology available with us currently, one can easily connect with his/her work by staying at home.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Harshani mannapperumeDecember 14, 2021 at 1:42 PM

    What are the long-term implications of the crisis?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Duminda GunathilakeDecember 14, 2021 at 11:49 PM

      COVID-19 has impacted different people in different ways, often amplifying existing structural inequalities in income and poverty, socioeconomic inequalities in education and skills, and intergenerational inequalities – with particular effects on children.

      Delete
  3. Chinthaka KiulgallaDecember 15, 2021 at 12:41 AM

    Very useful facts. Thank you for posting valuable information

    ReplyDelete
  4. Kaushali HerathDecember 17, 2021 at 10:18 PM

    Maintaining a proper channel of communications with the staff has been a focal point in HR decisions making in the service sector organisations in China during the SARS epidemic too. (Lee & Warner, 2005).

    ReplyDelete
  5. Jude Thushara PeirisDecember 18, 2021 at 9:53 AM

    Very useful and interesting facts. Thanks for Sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Hasitha WanigarathneDecember 18, 2021 at 11:39 PM

    Superb work

    ReplyDelete
  7. Rakitha RanaweeraDecember 19, 2021 at 11:10 PM

    Timely important topic.. Thank you!!

    ReplyDelete

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