Managing Talent Among Healthcare Human Resource: Strategies for a New Normal

Abstract

The healthcare industry is always susceptible to diverse changes and technology advancements. This mandates that the sector updates its skill set that can help in complying with compliance and regulatory requirements. COVID-19 has added to the complexity by bringing in changes in the working environment, healthcare professionals’ perceptions and patients’ expectations. It has clearly shown that digital technologies are rapidly revolutionising healthcare and also having an impact on human resources. Talent management in the changing scenario is a must for all organisations looking towards resilience, sustainability and gaining a competitive advantage over others. The purpose of the current study is to explore the factors that have influenced healthcare talent management during the pandemic, identify the challenges and put forth a strategy for post-pandemic talent management. A literature-based search for identifying articles related to talent management in healthcare during the pandemic, the challenges and lessons learned has been carried out. Based on the findings, it is suggested that while traditional ways of human resource planning are still applicable, it is imperative that digital tools be utilised for all activities especially talent management. Digital tools such as electronic medical records, telemedicine, computerised physician order entry systems are becoming an inbuilt culture in healthcare. So, while selecting, developing and retaining talent, the existence of digital skill set, capability to work with the tools or learn and adopt should be considered as a mandatory requirement.