Corona has shown a good number of administrative workforce can operate from home
The Times of India, Delhi   29-May-2020

Workplaces will no longer be an indispensable social necessity as social distancing norms force organisations to decongest offices.

Accordingly, HR will have to reinvent itself by enhancing focus on empathy-based interventions and leaving HR functions to technology, Ranjan Kumar Mohapatra, director (HR) at India's largest oil refiner and fuel retailer IndianOil.

What is the biggest HR challenge from the Coronavirus pandemic?

COVID-19 has not spared any sector. For the energy sector, the main challenge has been to not allow the pandemic affect supplies, be it of electricity or automotive and kitchen fuels, and keep the workforce engaged. For example, being in an essential service, about 60% workforce at IndianOil is in the field operating refineries, pipelines, distribution and marketing.

The remaining 40%, which supports these activities from administrative offices, was suddenly locked up at home. Managing expectations and motivation of both these groups in a way that ensures there is no divide between them, while at the same time ensuring the country's energy requirement is met fully can be a challenge for any HR person. Especially when the population is spread far and wide.

Click here to read more