Reference no: EM132784152

Human Resource Management in Times of Crisis

A crisis refers to an unexpected event that poses a significant threat to economies, business organizations and individuals (Quarantelli, 1988). Over the last two decades we have witnessed several major crises that have affected the global economy, such as the Asian Financial Crisis, terrorist attacks such as 9-11, and the Global Financial Crisis. Currently, the COVID-19 crisis continues to have a catastrophic impact on organizations across the world as governments close borders and lockdown whole sectors of the economy. In most economies business organizations, including this University, have had to decide whether or not to lay-off or stand-down staff, whether or not to reduce staff benefits, and determine how these things should be done within short time frames. Businesses have also had to develop strategies to support employees' performance, engagement, creativity, and wellbeing, whilst working remotely, and support employees to manage their carer responsibilities and other impeding personal factors. .

Topic: In view of the significant consequences that crises have for human resource management, what HR practices might organizations adopt to support employees' engagement, wellbeing and creativity at work during the COVID-19 crisis?