Industrial Revolution:
During the Industrial Revolution, HR professionals were responsible for recruiting, training, and retaining employees. The workforce during this time consisted mainly of unskilled workers, and the primary focus of HR was to ensure that the workers were productive and efficient. In addition, the main objective of HR professionals during this era was to fulfil the basic needs of the workforce, i.e., food, shelter, and clothing.
The HR professionals during this time had a paternalistic approach towards the workforce, and they believed that providing the basic needs of the crew was enough to keep them motivated and loyal to the company. As a result, they could have focused more on employee engagement, satisfaction, or well-being.
Information Revolution:
During the Information Revolution, HR professionals had to shift their focus from fulfilling the workforce’s basic needs to improving the employees’ standard of living. The crew during this era consisted mainly of knowledgeable workers who were highly skilled and demanded a better standard of living.
The HR professionals during this era had to adopt a more strategic approach towards human resource management. They had to focus on employee engagement, satisfaction, and well-being to attract and retain highly skilled employees. In addition, they had to provide a work environment that promoted innovation, creativity, and collaboration.
The HR professionals during this era had to introduce new HR practices like flexible working hours, telecommuting, and employee wellness programs to meet the workforce’s needs. In addition, they had to ensure that the employees had a work-life balance and were well-rested, as it could lead to burnout and decreased productivity.
Social Revolution:
During the Social Revolution, HR professionals had to focus on the employees’ quality of life. The workforce during this era consists of millennials and Gen Z, who are highly tech-savvy and demand a work environment that is diverse, inclusive, and equitable.
The HR professionals in this era must adopt a more holistic approach towards human resource management. They must create a work environment that promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion. They must ensure that all employees are treated fairly and equally, regardless of gender, race, or sexual orientation.
The HR professionals during this era have to focus on employee well-being, not just physical but also mental and emotional well-being. Therefore, they must introduce new HR practices like mindfulness programs, mental health days, and employee assistance programs to promote employee well-being.
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