Operationalising employee capabilities post pandemic crisis: a sustainable HR approach

Abstract

Sustainability scholars argue that sustainable human resource management (HRM) promotes positive financial, social, and human capital outcomes. Sustainability linked with people management creates an enduring business. However, many challenges exist for firms implementing and maintaining a sustainable HRM program. Evidence suggests that these challenges could intensify in economic uncertainty, and firms' sustainable HRM endeavours will likely be abruptly terminated in an uncertain environment. This article explores the adverse outcomes of economic uncertainty and the potential value of a sustainable HRM approach. A model drawing on the Resource-Based View and utilizing Dynamic Capabilities and Absorptive Capacity highlights how the practitioner can operationalize a sustainable approach to HRM in times of uncertainty.