Abstract:
COVID-19's restrictions have compelled businesses all around the world to speed their business
transformation to digital operations. Human resource management (HRM) is at the core of these shifts,
assisting firms in navigating the uncertain present and future. HRM must manage people in firms during
a crisis to maintain company continuity and have a balance between work and life. Changes in rules,
procedures, workspaces, association systems, health and safety of workers are becoming increasingly
important as the future brings more flexible, remote-friendly, digital working standards. Besides, the
ever-changing technology significantly impacted the working of employees in remote areas. Hence, the
need for adapting of new technology cannot be ignored. Henceforth, in-light with above mentioned
problem this study makes an attempt to understand the impact of COVID-19 on employees through the
lens of digitalization - work-life balance and the Role of HRM.
The study employed qualitative research design. By employing purposive sampling method,
semi-structured interviews were conducted, where participants were chosen from IT-industry of
Pakistan. The research work covers the issues that HRM experienced because of Covid-19 crisis in terms
of managing employees when they worked remotely and their work-life balance. According to the
expert interviews performed in IT-industry in Pakistan, human resource management must consider
developing new regulations for hybrid working methods in response to the present pandemic problem.
For instance, maintaining working hours for employees. Employees should be asked not to work after 6
or 7 pm. In addition, psychology workshops must be conducted to ensure the well-being of the
employees.
