Human resource management (HRM) strategies of medical staff during the COVID-19 pandemic

Healthcare workers are at the forefront of fight against COVID-19 and the managers of medical centers should develop coping strategies for the challenges caused by COVID-19, especially for health human resources in order to improve the performance of healthcare organizations. Hence, the purpose of this study is to investigate the human resource management strategies of medical staff during the COVID-19 to help them cope with the new strains of COVID-19 or epidemics of viral diseases that may occur in the future. In this study, a search was performed in the international Web of Science electronic database, using keywords such as human resource management and COVID-19. As a result, a total of 1884 articles published between January 1st, 2020 and October 22nd, 2021 were extracted. After screening the articles based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, 24 articles were selected to enter the study. Then, a scientometric analysis was performed on the content of selected articles and the results were presented in the form of tables and conceptual models. In total, 9 strategies were extracted from the selected articles including development of organizational culture, staff screening, policy-making, infection control training and monitoring the implementation of learned materials, patient management, human resource management, psychological and motivational support, communication and coordination, and digital health services. Employing comprehensive strategies to maintain the health of healthcare workers during the COVID-19 can play an effective role in reducing burnout, improving productivity and employee satisfaction, and in increasing the resilience of healthcare workers. It also has a positive effect on the patient's safety. Revision and reengineering of human resource management strategies in health and treatment organizations according to different cultures and contexts require research and investment in creative and innovative strategies.