Managing for resilience through social sustainable human resource approach: the effect on organisational performances

Purpose The aim of the study is to assess a model that examines the impact of various aspects of socially sustainable human resource management (SSHRM), such as enhancing employees’ well-being, maintaining a healthy and safe workplace, and ensuring work-life balance, on the financial performance of organisations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Design/methodology/approach By utilising an Italian sample of 132 listed companies, the study employs several methodologies, including panel data analysis with fixed effects and OLS, to test the different traits of SSHRM on the financial results of companies. Findings The study reveals that companies who prioritise the well-being of their employees outperform their peers in terms of market valuation and accounting metrics, which highlights the critical importance of investing in human resources. Additionally, we find that health, safety and employee turnover positively impact accounting performances. However, implementing policies to promote work–life balance does not seem to have a relevant effect on accounting and market performances. Originality/value Our study makes a theoretical contribution to the field of SSHRM literature and underscores the importance of integrating SSHRM strategies into organisational frameworks.