Navigating the New Normal: The Impact of Covid-19 on Human Resource Practices in Pakistan

Abstract

Aim of Study - Role of Human Resource Managers has always been in the process of evolution from being an administrative entity to becoming a welfare organism within progressive organization to being strategic and business partners, human resource departments have shown remarkable organizational resilience; in this evolution COVID-19 promulgated extensive challenges for organizations as it impacted lives, livelihoods, and economies worldwide and altered the way business and communities process. This research intends to explore the impact of COVID-19 on HR Practices across organizations in Pakistan.

Methodology - Data for the research was collected through online calls and telephonic interviews with Human Resource professionals employed in fifteen (15) organizations across Pakistan functioning in various industries through random stratified sampling. The structured interview designed with open ended questions to identify the major areas where Covid 19 impacted HR policies and practices.

Findings - It was found that various functions including Training and Development, Compensation Management, and Recruitment have been greatly affected by the catastrophe. The organizations were not ready to confront such a crisis, but once faced, the leadership promptly ensured all possible measures. However, with more focus on Digitalization, the role of HR has been re-defined amid COVID-19 making it more agile than ever.

Conclusion – With organizations adopting work from home and virtual means to connect, the role of Human Resource Departments has become significant in this Human-centric health debacle for navigating the organization towards ‘the new normal’.