Differences in human resources management processes in health institutions during the COVID-19 pandemic period: The case of Ankara

The Covid-19 pandemic has profoundly affected the functioning of healthcare institutions and brought significant changes in human resources management processes. During this period, healthcare organizations have been required to adopt new strategies and policies related to the safety, performance, and psychological well-being of their employees. With the outbreak, healthcare institutions have made significant changes in personnel recruitment and placement processes. Emergency staffing demands have increased, necessitating the quick identification of suitable candidates for critical positions. Additionally, new protocols have been implemented to assess candidates' health status and reduce the risk of infection. The pandemic has emphasized the importance of training and development for healthcare workers. It has become necessary to provide employees with up-to-date information on the pandemic, organize training programs to ensure compliance with new health guidelines and procedures. Moreover, there is a need to support healthcare staff in terms of psychological well-being and stress management. Work environments have also undergone changes due to the pandemic. Healthcare institutions have implemented physical distancing measures, strengthened hygiene protocols, and provided personal protective equipment. Furthermore, alternative arrangements such as remote work and flexible work models have been introduced. During the outbreak, the importance of communication in human resources management processes has increased, as regular updates on crisis situations, security measures, and policies need to be effectively communicated. The changes implemented as a result of the pandemic aim to enhance the safety and performance of healthcare workers and ensure the effective delivery of healthcare services. Continued work on these new processes and policies is necessary to be prepared for similar future outbreaks. The purpose of this study is to examine the changes in human resources management processes in healthcare organizations during the Covid-19 pandemic and provide examples based on healthcare institutions in Ankara, Turkey. In this regard, in-depth interviews were conducted with 29 managers (from the Ministry of Health, Private Healthcare Institutions, Hospitals, and Unions) in Ankara using semi-structured questions