Strategic Human Resource Challenges in Indian Industries: A Conceptual and Contemporary Analysis

Abstract

Human Resource Management (HRM) in India is confronting complex challenges in the contemporary industrial landscape. This paper comprehensively analyses the key issues – from acute shortages of skilled technical manpower and the pressures of globalisation and technological change to workforce diversity, high employee turnover, and concerns like job stress and work-life balance. The study draws on recent literature and data to highlight how rapid economic and technological shifts and evolving workforce expectations impact Indian industries. The objectives include identifying the significant HRM challenges in Indian industries and proposing actionable recommendations. The findings underscore critical concerns such as the skill gap where only about 40–50% of graduates are employable and rising attrition rates, reaching 30–40% in IT sectors. Additionally, 86% of employers report difficulty filling skilled vacancies, a significant increase from previous years. The paper suggests strategic HR interventions from national-level skill development initiatives and employee empowerment programs to workplace wellness and policy reform. The implications of this conceptual study point to HRM’s pivotal role in enabling Indian industries to adapt and remain competitive.