Pandemic and Bourgeoning Role of HR in Educational Institutions: An Analytical Insight

Abstract

Despite an ever-growing emphasis on significance of Human Resource Management for an organization for decades now, human resource management has been a peripheral function in Indian educational institutions. This pandemic has uncovered this gigantic lacuna. This paper explores the growing significance of HR in educational institutions. This study is based on a survey of teaching fraternity in Delhi and NCR. The study was carried out on a sample of Faculty teaching in private and public institutions in the region. The findings underscore areas where HR interventions are needed for effective functioning of the institution and fruitful faculty-student collaboration in this drastically changed context.  Some of the key finding that emerged pertain to human resource management becoming critical to various aspects of work life left disconcerted by the unprecedented pandemic. These aspects include - Work-Life Balance, Adoption of newer work technologies, social aspects of work-life, Self and Change. Some of the findings are very specific to educational institutions and some apply to workplaces in general. The paper also reviews some of the best practices adopted by the institutions in these challenging times. The paper concludes with some specific recommendations on the subject.