Human resource management in recession: Restructuring and alternatives to downsizing in times of crisis

In just over a decade two global crises have created significant instability across the world and plunged many national economies into recession. While studies of HRM during economic downturns are limited, impact COVID-19 on employment adds impetus to debate. Though downsizing mass layoffs attract most attention, redundancies one potential response challenging conditions, various other adjustments might be viewed as complements or alternatives workforce reductions. However, little is known about implementation HR practices enactment strategies Drawing upon 56 in-depth interviews, this article presents three case recessionary restructuring in British manufacturing firms. The cases share concern with mitigating highlight importance actor agency well institutional organisational context shaping outcomes. contributes theory regarding recession restructuring.