HR Department’s Compelling New Role in Workplace Transition in Response to the Coronavirus

Abstract

COVID-19 is a global health crisis that started in Wuhan, China, and spread rapidly around the world. This pandemic has resulted in restrictions on movement and the temporary closure of workplace premises, business organizations made provisions for implementing remote work. The objective of this conceptual study is to investigate, HR department’s compelling new role in the workplace transition, in response to the covid 19 post-pandemic situations within the Sri Lankan context. The conceptualization was made upon, expanding the role of the HR department in the workplace. A comprehensive literature review was used as the method for this study to achieve the aforementioned study objective. Based on the literature, this study identified that previously HR departments focused on a day in life tasks, administering benefits, and drive to sustainable competitiveness. However, HR teams are now in support of their company's crisis management efforts. Based on the study it has identified, the HR department’s compelling new role in four areas. Developing mental and physical wellbeing of employees, improving the efficiency of remote work, developing employee engagement through effective communication, and providing equal access to opportunities and resources. The practical implications are attempting to promote the HR department’s expanding role in demonstrating a way for the positive results associated with workplace transition in the covid-19 post-pandemic situation.