Lessons learned in people management after COVID-19 crisis. A qualitative study in Spain

Abstract

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The purpose of this study is to find out the consequences the COVID-19 crisis has had on people management and the future challenges human resources (HR) departments in Spanish companies must face. We qualitatively explore in-depth HR managers’ experiences, beliefs, and expectations, holding three focus groups with 25 (16 women) HR managers from companies of different sectors, sizes, origins, and locations. Once the discourse analysis had been carried out, it was clear that talent, though scarce, is a priority goal for organisations; HR must implicate strategic decision-making. There was broad agreement that flexible and hybrid work models were the most apparent practical consequences of the crisis. On the other hand, the need to pay more attention to the holistic well-being of workers and the care of the leadership function of managers are essential functions in HR departments.