Human Resource Practices in Indian Hotels: A Comparative Study of Employees’ Perception during COVID and Pre COVID ERA

ABSTRACT

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to compare the employee perception on different HRM practices followed in hotels prior and during COVID pandemic and identify the changes in their perception level. Design/Methodology/Approach: This study initiated as an independent research work before the outbreak of COVID-19 to India and covered the responses of 127 hotel employees to study their perception about Human Resource Practices in Indian Hotels. Further, the breakdown of pandemic COVID -19 impacted the hotel sector along with others largely, thus in present study same hotel employees were contacted and their responses were recorded during the COVID pandemic through a structured questionnaire. The instrument used 28 variables on different aspects of HR practices. The data collected were analysed by mean, standard deviation and independent sample T test to study the difference in perceptions. Findings: The study clearly showed that although overall there is no significant difference in employee perception on different HR practices, significant difference was recorded for the 7 HR practices related to recruitment, training on new protocols and specifically with the variables related to pay and benefits of employees. The result shows that due to the salary cuts and layoffs that was offered to employees of many hotels during COVID has created a major dent on their perception level. Practical Implication The Study provides the insight of employees’ perception level, and provide a view to the HR managers to look into the areas like pay and benefits to retain the quality employees during this pandemic. Theoretical Implication The finding of the study will add significant contribution to the miniscule existing data related to the Hotel’s HR ractices and Em lo ee erce tion durin the COVID era © 2021 Publishing India Group. All rights reserved.