Track two
The Role of Public Policy in IR/HR Policy in the Post-Pandemic Era
The Covid-19 pandemic is now largely in the rear-view mirror. However, the crisis has left not only a scar but has also refracted the trajectory of work and employment, with lasting effects that linger. As the recovery progresses, it has been argued that apart from repairing the harm caused by the pandemic, we have a rare opportunity to build even stronger and more resilient systems to ensure future prosperity. Work and its quality have taken on a different meaning than before, with greater importance given to work-life balance. In this respect, the role of public policy in industrial relations and human resources has become ever more salient to enable and facilitate a transition from legacy systems to a more just and resilient future. The path for public policy is further complicated by several trends that existed even before the pandemic but have accelerated because of machine intelligence, a re-alignment of globalisation due to super-power rivalry, climate change, and xenophobic populism. Accordingly, this track would invite researchers and thought leaders to address the nature and dynamics of innovative public policy and its successes and failures.
This proposed track would encourage intersections with the following sub-themes, among others:
- Public policy for vulnerable workers who were “essential” to our survival throughout the pandemic: the low-wage, casual, part-time, and informal workers in care work, healthcare, food-related industries, communications and infrastructure, and other such industries.
- Public policy developments in the regulation of digital technologies to ensure fair treatment of workers, inclusiveness, and diversity.
- Public policy to facilitate green jobs.
- Public Policy and job quality.
- Public policy in immigration and migration.
- Public policy for a just and fair globalisation.
- Public policy for equal access to skill development for all workers.