This is a difficult time for Human Resource Management (HRM) professionals as they have to deal with a lot of challenges that came with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Some of the significant difficulties that arose during that time are global because the entire world went through a similar situation.
5 issues that HR professionals are facing
1. Retaining Employees
Technological advancements have created grounds for regular skill upgradation of employees, especially for the senior (age-wise) workforce.
HRM needs to identify which skills need revamping and identify the employees who are struggling to cope with the new forms of technology.
Cultural factors are also relevant aspects in building awareness and sensitivity among employees, given the rapid globalisation of employment.
Related Blog - Innovative ways to retain talent
2. Workforce Adjustment and Employee Wellbeing
The uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic affected the mental health of the general public; this is a major challenge for HRM because employees’ productivity and state of mind influence a company’s performance.
The layoffs mean that HRM has to re-adjust the workforce hierarchy structure and work on boosting the motivation of the remaining employees by providing incentives and a better environment.
Related Blog - Adapting Human Resources Management for the Future
3. Increased Work-Family Conflict
Due to the remote/hybrid working model, many employees have to look after their children at home. That’s on top of the increased worry for their family’s health and safety.
That presents a challenge for HRM when creating remote/hybrid work policies because they have to consider the home situations for the policies to be effective. So they have to offer some leeway while ensuring high performance.
Related Blog - How HRs can fight the epidemic of mental health disorders in the workforce
4. Remote Onboarding Challenges
Hiring new employees brought new issues for HRM – from keeping them engaged before the first day to getting them trained to use company software and tools.
Human Resource professionals have to create a blueprint to help new members adjust to the company culture, meet with colleagues and form a professional connections and for managers to remotely supervise and understand the strengths and weaknesses of the new hires.
Related Blog - Why is a good onboarding process important?
5. Acting Swiftly
Since the global workforce was introduced to the remote working model for the first time, HRM professionals have to quickly resolve issues that the employees, mid-level managers, and even executives raise daily.
Most of the challenges are new for HR professionals as well, and they had to train themselves along the way.
Related Blog - Adapting Human Resources Management for the Future
Conclusion
Although some of the contemporary issues of HRM are unique and pandemic-specific, others will be a permanent concern from now on. Factors such as retaining employees and improving work-family balance are not new but there is now a need to address them from a different perspective.
This is an ideal time for experienced HR professionals to refresh their knowledge so that they are in a better position to manage these contemporary issues. Enrol in SNATIKA's Masters and MBA programs in Human Resources Management and learn all about how you can be a remarkable HR professional in trying times. You can also earn an additional Level 7 Diploma at no extra cost or effort! Check out the program now.