Managing Uncertainty in Human Resource Management during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Evitha Soraya

Universitas Negeri Jakarta

Abstract

This study aimed at providing information to help HR practitioners understand the uncertainties caused by COVID-19 by addressing questions on what uncertainties faced by HR practitioners in education sector- what factors are seen as stressors, what characteristics need to be developed, and what solutions are proposed to overcome uncertainties in this pandemic of COVID-19. This qualitative study used electronic questionnaires to collect qualitative data from 40 respondents in a cross-sectional survey design. And, the method of purposeful sampling was chosen to assure the representative sample. The study reveals that there are various types of uncertainties faced by HR managers or practitioners, ranging from the performance of their educational institutions to the ability in predicting employees^ plan and actions. The main stressor during the pandemic is employees^ safety perceptions of threats and risk of COVID-19 transmission. Others are the drastic change in the way of work and job insecurity, and lack of valid information about COVID-19. Resilience, tolerance and curiosity are the qualities need to be developed by HR managers or practitioners. To overcome the uncertainties, HR Managers and practitioners could use training on technology and competency development as a strategy to overcome the uncertainty, in addition to optimizing communication and transparency, teleworking management, work flexibility policy, development of post-pandemic work plan, prevention of stigma and social isolation.

Keywords: uncertainty, stressor, COVID-19, HR managers

Topic: Education