The effects of green human resource management practices on the employee well-being during COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

This research endeavor examines the qualitative interplay between Green Human Resource Management (GHRM) and employee well-being during the extraordinary circumstances of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. It acknowledges the pivotal role of GHRM in fostering sustainable practices and its potential to augment employee welfare against the backdrop of pandemic-induced stressors. The study is grounded in a conceptual framework where GHRM is delineated via established literature, positioning it as a mechanism to cultivate environmentally mindful individuals and bolster overall well-being. This framework utilizes Carol D. Ryff's multi-dimensional model to assess well-being within the workplace and its connection to GHRM interventions. Utilizing Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) to decode the experiences of Australian workers, the research methodology centers on semi-structured interviews, with a keen focus on ethical integrity and the research's validity. The core findings pivot around the psychological strain induced by the pandemic and how GHRM initiatives contribute to employee well-being. The research reveals the mental toll of the pandemic, marked by instability and workplace upheaval, and posits that GHRM practices, such as flexible work arrangements and support services, are instrumental in countering these adversities, resonating with the dimensions proposed by Carol D. Ryff. In conclusion, the study accentuates the potential of GHRM to positively sway employee well-being, in line with Ryff's psychological constructs. It underscores the importance of organizational support and communication in nurturing a conducive environment for well-being and advocates for extended research into the interplay between individual green actions and well-being, as well as the communicative dynamics in GHRM engagement. The research brings to light the critical need for empathetic workplace practices to address the mental health challenges posed by crises akin to the pandemic.

Date of Award	2023
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Western Sydney University
Supervisor	Thomas Klikauer (Supervisor) & Nadine Campbell (Supervisor)