"COVID-19 demonstrates how profoundly interdependent we are on everybody." How dependent we are on teamwork, communication, and compassion to defeat the virus. It emphasises how critical it is that we work together to achieve a long-term recovery that benefits our economies, people, and planet." New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern
According to a Forbes Magazine article published early in the first lockdown:
'The epidemic has created great upheaval in people's lives and businesses, and human resources (HR) is critical to assisting businesses and driving workplace reforms.' Organizations must reconsider how they cultivate talent, provide services, and grow their organisations through a forward-thinking HR strategy—how they provide the most appealing work experience.'
McKinsey and PwC, who have been no fans of the HR function in the past, appear to agree as well. The former discusses how 'human resources may assist construct the organisation of the future.' They feel that the epidemic emphasises the need for a more dynamic talent and work paradigm. Human-resources executives may aid by emphasising identification, agility, and scalability.'
'HR matters today more than ever,' according to PwC. 'The COVID-19 epidemic has disturbed global economies, and Human Resources (HR) has been at the core of it,' they write. With organisations on the verge of recovery, the function of human resources is becoming even more critical... The pandemic has emphasised the importance of adaptation and resilience in today's workforce... and emphasised the significance of human resources in the new normal
Challenges faced after the new normal
Working from home has become the new standard.
According to Gartner, 48% of employees will likely work remotely at least part of the time after COVID-19. A increasing proportion of business experts believe that remote working is here to stay, and this figure may be greater for firms considering cutting real estate expenditures to offset losses experienced during the lockdown. This will involve digitization and increased technological adoption, as well as shrinking and changing physical workplaces into technology-enabled virtual ones. A big advantage of this strategy is that managers will now be able to discover the best applicant despite getting a larger number of job applications from all around the nation - since recruiting will be more efficient.
The rise of the gig economy
Employers benefit from increased labour management flexibility when they use contingent workers. According to a Gartner report, 32% of firms are replacing full-time employees with contract workers in order to save money. However, HR managers who seek to fill vacant jobs with contractual employees would face issues on the applicability of workplace laws to the employees.
Employee social safety is prioritised.
Following COVID-19, firms will continue to prioritise employee safety and emotional well-being. HR departments will get more involved in the lives of their workers and work to improve people connections.
Focus shift: from efficiency to resilience
Organizations have always focused on staff efficiency, but in the post-COVID-19 environment, resilience will take primacy. Recruiters will consider a job applicant's digital dexterity and digital cooperation abilities when recruiting, keeping in mind the expanding remote working culture and the likelihood of future outbreaks of illnesses.
Employee education
Identify digital tools for staff training - supervisors, mentors, and trainers. Specifically, centering on the concept of remote working. These programmes will assist them in managing stress, developing a good mindset, and being productive while working remotely.
Application of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Artificial intelligence (AI) will be used more in the HR function in the post-pandemic era. AI will assist recruiters in finding prospective individuals among billions of job applications, and will assist firms in not just meeting their diversity targets during the recruiting process, but also in retaining top talent and engaging with workers via smart apps.
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