The Covid-19 pandemic has changed the world of work like very few other global events. HR is at the heart of this transformation. The pandemic has placed the HR teams at the center of it all, having to continually cope with changing demands of pandemic hit workplaces. Evolution of HR post pandemic has helped in keeping the remote workers motivated and engaged.
Following HR trends have emerged as a result of pandemic’s effect on the workforce and workplace.
Remote working: Some employees were working remotely even before the pandemic but there is a significant increase in the number of employees who are working remotely since the pandemic. This trend of remote working is likely to continue even when the pandemic ends. Employees will need to collaborate digitally and HR will need to adjust employee experience strategies to handle the remote working employees.
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Contingent workers: Many workers have lost their jobs due to the economic uncertainty caused by the pandemic and the organizations have looked for contingent workers to have more flexibility in the workforce management. Some of the organizations are even replacing full-time employees with gig workers as a cost cutting measure. While gig workers will provide more flexibility, the HR department will have to figure out how performance management applies to them and also if they will be eligible for the same benefits as the full-time employees.
Wellbeing of employees as first priority: Some organizations have recognized the humanitarian side of the pandemic and put the wellbeing of employees as their first priority. While others have made employees work in tough conditions with health risks. The latter can have an adverse effect on employee experience that might be hard to recover from. HR leaders have to be very careful and address any inequities that might be between remote working employees and in-office employees. And give support to all employees to survive the pandemic in the best way possible.
Employee data collection: Employers collect all kinds of employee data through methods like virtual clocking in and out, work computer usage tracking, etc. The internet of things (IOT) helps employers to collect data which can help them track employee productivity, employee engagement and employee well being. The pandemic has increased the scope of data collection. HR personnel will have to find ways to track productivity and engagement of remote workers. Also they will have to collect data regarding employee health and safety. And follow best practices to ensure responsible use of employee data.
Employer role towards society: Many organizations have given support to society in various ways like shifting operations to manufacturing goods, or by providing services to help fight against the corona virus and providing other community services. The pandemic has also led employers to provide financial, physical and mental aid to their own employees and their families.
Organizations are forced to quickly evolve during the pandemic to survive. HR will need to support business leaders as they restructure during and after the pandemic, and ensure employee productivity and engagement with all the changes happening.
References:
- After the COVID-19 Crisis: The Inevitable Evolution of HR [#WorkTrends] | Talent Culture | Meghan M. Biro | April 30, 2021
- How the new normal is shaping the future of HR | PWC
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