Green Human Resource Management Practices and Covid 19: How Do Organizations Respond?

Abstract

This study explores the role of Green Human Resource Management during the Covid-19 pandemic and its future implications in a rapidly changing world. GHRM, which promotes eco friendly employee behaviors for sustainable organizational outcomes, faces a critical test as businesses worldwide grapple with the pandemic's challenges. Focusing on Pakistan's telecommunications sector, which experienced a demand surge due to increased reliance on digital communication, this qualitative research investigates how companies have adapted their GHRM strategies amidst crisis-induced disruptions. Through semi-structured interviews with HR personnel from four leading telecom firms, the study uncovers a significant shift towards prioritizing employee health and safety within GHRM practices, the resilience of organizations in maintaining GHRM during the pandemic through innovative work models, and the enduring influence of these changes on organizational strategies and employee well-being. These findings highlight the evolving nature of GHRM in crisis conditions and underscore its importance in ensuring business continuity and sustainability. The significance of this research lies in its timely examination of GHRM practices during an unparalleled global health crisis, offering critical insights for HR practitioners and business leaders, especially in developing countries, on sustaining adaptable and sustainable GHRM practices in times of uncertainty. This study contributes to the GHRM literature by providing a contextual understanding of its application and resilience in the face of a global pandemic, marking a valuable addition to the discourse on human resource management's role in navigating and thriving through crises.