Stress test

Purpose The Coronavirus outbreak that started in China in late 2019 and spread globally in 2020 has had profound impacts on almost all areas of our working and personal lives. In the workplace, one of the functions that was perhaps most under the spotlight was human relations (HR) as first they had to deal with how people could work from home, and then if people should be put on furlough or worse, if they should lose their jobs. While countries such as Denmark and the UK agreed to fund people’s wages up to a certain percentage or cap of their salary, other countries such as the US saw millions simply become unemployed overnight. HR departments worldwide suddenly had to make some of the toughest decisions they will have ever been asked to do and implement them in a matter of days. Design/methodology/approach This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds his/her own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings The Coronavirus outbreak that started in China in late 2019 and spread globally in 2020 has had profound impacts on almost all areas of our working and personal lives. In the workplace, one of the functions that was perhaps most under the spotlight was human relations (HR) as first they had to deal with how people could work from home, and then if people should be put on furlough or worse, if they should lose their jobs. While countries such as Denmark and the UK agreed to fund people’s wages up to a certain percentage or cap of their salary, other countries such as the US saw millions simply become unemployed overnight. HR departments worldwide suddenly had to make some of the toughest decisions they will have ever been asked to do and implement them in a matter of days. Practical implications This paper provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world’s leading organizations. Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.