HR is recognized as much more than just a function that guarantees compensations are on time or handles issues in the workplace. The human resources department has evolved from “pragmatic” to “strategic.” In the new normal, HR’s role has become even more crucial. They are now the custodian of organizational and employee safety, including the well-being within and outside the virtual workplace.

HR departments had to refine their dynamic organizational capabilities to keep up with rapid, unanticipated workplace changes, most notably a significant shift to remote work. HR had to adjust to evolving corporate environments and find new ways to work efficiently and establish new priorities. Furthermore, the priorities have turned to more significant matters such as employee wellness, digitalized workflows, a solid organizational culture, and sustainable performance management. Human resource management has always been responsible for this, but this obligation has gained new importance of late. HR leaders, in particular, must now pursue the following critical priorities to thrive in the new normal: