Crisis on Human Resources: Airline Companies in Thailand

Abstract

A year has gone by and the COVID pandemic is still affecting many industries, with thousands of people getting laid off from work due to lockdowns all across the world. The Airline Industry in Thailand is no different. With many budget airlines closing down permanently and big players in the industry such as Thai airways, filing for bankruptcy just to stay alive. Although the current situation has improved since the beginning of the year, the industry still faces many problems in terms of Human Resources. With the gradual lift of travel restrictions, the industry is slowly trying to bounce back but recovering what the industry lost will be a very slow process in the current situation. Unlike other industries, work from home is not an option in the airline industry, as the industry depends on employees to be physically present, it is evident that safety protocols need to be heavily implemented for the well-being of their employee and their customers. To foresee the possible changes in the industry in regard to Human Resources, the author focus on five main aspects of Human Resource Management: Recruitment, Training, Motivation, Healthy Environment, and Retainment of Employment. In each part, the author states the importance and provides strategies to cope with the current situation. In conclusion, the author ends on an optimistic note for the industry and emphasizes the need to adapt in order to survive in the current situation.