COVID-19: Impact on HRM

Abstract

Companies worldwide are being forced to accelerate their switch to digital corporate procedures due to extraordinary changes brought about by COVID-19. The core of these changes is human resource management (HRM), which aids businesses in navigating the hazy present and uncertain future. HRM must oversee business personnel during a crisis to maintain work-life balance and allow business continuity. The need to change policies, procedures, workspaces, collaboration tools, and employee well-being is growing as more flexible, remote-friendly, and digital working norms become the norm. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought unprecedented challenges to organizations worldwide, significantly reshaping the landscape of Human Resource Management (HRM). This conceptual paper explores the multifaceted impact of the pandemic on HRM, emphasizing the need for adaptive strategies to address the evolving dynamics of the workforce. The paper outlines the consequences of the pandemic on human resources and addresses the difficulties HRM faces due to the current crisis of remote working. © 2026 Elsevier Inc. All rights are reserved, including those for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies.