The role of HR in the post-COVID workplace?
HR is a busy role, which, if it is done well, you don’t have to worry about recruiting, screening, interviewing, placing workers, handling employee relations, managing payroll, benefits, and training. Being part of the Human Resources team (HR) means you are responsible for the company’s most important assets – employees.
Managers are in charge of directing and coordinating the administrative functions and operations of an organisation. HR is an essential department for every business but did you know that in the United Kingdom HR and recruitment professionals make up just 1% of the UK workforce. Still, no matter how small the percentage, HR is still a vital part of a company.
Now that we know that they are responsible for handling people in a company, we can understand why HR’s role in today’s COVID-19 pandemic is crucial. Businesses must adapt to the ‘new normal’ and that change will affect the people and the operations of a lot of businesses. HR needs to have their finger on the pulse at all times. The pandemic makes HR rethink work initiatives, flexibility of working, and employee support programs.
This can lead to the question…
What is the role of HR after the pandemic?
Engaging remote workforce / Creativity
The series of lockdowns enforced by the governments of the world mean that workers must adapt to the remote style of working, with more and more staff working from home. It gives HR the role to make sure that all employees are productive, engaged, excited and connected.
Digitally Advanced / Innovative
As the pandemic made us more reliant on technology; more than ever, employees and employers too are forced to adjust and learn how technology can be better used in their business. Video conferencing platforms help employees communicate, team meetings move online, and confidential communication channels must be set up to support the staff. The HR functions must also be digitized. There must be a digital transformation strategy within the business, guided by the HR teams.
HR can’t just wait for things to be normal again. They need to adapt and make sure that communications have no barrier even if the pandemic tries to break the business.
HR must be aware of all the available support from the government, and the rules on employment in case they have to let go of a lot of staff, or in case they have to re-hire staff as well. It is a very busy time for the HR teams in businesses, and something that anyone employing people must also take into account.
