The effectiveness of human resource strategies in enhancing employee performance post-COVID-19 in public institutions of higher learning in KwaZulu-Natal

Orientation: The COVID-19 pandemic reshaped work practices globally, compelling higher education institutions (HEIs) to adopt new human resource (HR) strategies to sustain performance. These adaptations have varied in scope and impact. Research purpose: This study examines the implementation and perceived effectiveness of HR strategies for improving employee performance in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) HEIs in the post-COVID-19 era. Motivation for the study: The COVID-19 pandemic affected employee performance and organisational functioning globally. It is crucial for organisations to examine various HR strategies that can be implemented to enhance employee and organisational performance in the post-COVID-19 era. This study examines HR strategies that can be employed to improve employee performance within HEIs in KZN. Research approach/design and method: A quantitative, cross-sectional survey was conducted among academic and administrative staff across multiple institutions in KZN. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire capturing demographic information and perceptions of eight HR strategies implemented post-pandemic. Descriptive statistics and inferential analysis were used to assess patterns and demographic variations in responses. Main findings: The highest agreement levels were observed for the adoption of blended work attendance (74.8%) and training and development programmes (70.9%). Mean score analysis confirmed these strategies as the most widely perceived as implemented (M = 2.87 and M = 2.76, respectively). Work incentives and rewards received the lowest agreement (28.7%, M = 2.10). Analysis of variance results indicated significant demographic differences in perceptions for five of the eight strategies (p < 0.001), suggesting uneven distribution of visibility across staff categories. Practical/managerial implications: The findings will help higher education institutions and organisations adopt effective HR strategies to improve employee performance and overall productivity in the post-COVID-19 era. Contribution/value-add: The findings suggest that HEIs in KZN should prioritise talent management and effective managerial support to employees in the post-COVID-19 era.