Raffaella Valsecchi ^1* Maria Balta ² Rachel Morgan ¹

• ¹ Brunel Business School, College of Business, Arts and Social Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge, England, United Kingdom
• ² Business School, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent, United Kingdom

Below we summarise these papers briefly, starting with Mustaffa et al. 's study on the effects of communication, training, and transformational leadership during COVID-19 in Malaysia underscores the necessity for businesses to adapt to remote and hybrid work environments. It highlights the challenges of balancing flexibility with issues like isolation and household intrusions. Effective employee engagement strategies are crucial as organisations reshape their structures post-pandemic, emphasising health and well-being. The research calls for reflection on past practices while innovating management approaches. It also stresses the need for improved IT infrastructure to support remote work. Ultimately, the study aims to foster adaptable, resilient workplaces that prioritise employee engagement and well-being.Yang et al.'s research on High Involvement Work Practices (HIWPs) highlights their impact on employee well-being and service outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic. As organisations shift to remote and hybrid work, HIWPs can enhance service performance through customer orientation but may also increase workloads, leading to work-family conflict and reduced well-being. The study underscores the need for supportive leadership and the adaptation of management practices to prioritise employee health. Reflecting on past experiences is crucial for developing strategies that balance work demands with employee support, fostering healthier work environments. By integrating these insights, organisations can enhance resilience and adaptability in a changing landscape.Building on Durkheim's concept of anomic suicide Ozbilgin et al. highlight how weakened institutional policies can lead to workplace suicides, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. As organisations shift to remote and hybrid models, the need for strong support systems becomes critical due to increased isolation and mental health issues. The study identifies dehumanisation and misrecognition as key factors contributing to employee wellbeing challenges. It emphasises the importance of implementing effective practices that acknowledge employee needs and advocates for a proactive approach to prevent workrelated suicides. Ultimately, it calls for strategies that foster employee engagement and mental health, creating resilient workplaces.Exploring equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) challenges in universities, Toroghi et al. examine the effects of neoliberal managerialism and the COVID-19 pandemic on institutional practices. While remote and hybrid work models have increased productivity, they have also led to isolation and stress, reflecting toxic workplace cultures. The authors argue that a competitive focus on efficiency often undermines inclusivity, exacerbating biases against marginalised groups. They propose the NEAR framework-Noticing, Empathising, Appraising, and Responding-to cultivate a compassionate workplace culture that prioritizes EDI. In the post-pandemic landscape, fostering organisational compassion and inclusivity is essential for building resilient, supportive environments that enhance employee engagement.Lastly, Diaz et al.'s exploration of ongoing professional training for social education practitioners underscores the urgent need for adaptability amid societal changes, especially during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. As organizations shift to remote and hybrid models, challenges arise in fostering effective practices. The study highlights the importance of continuous training in mental health, management, and mediation. The pandemic has revealed vulnerabilities in traditional work structures, emphasizing health and well-being. Both business and education sectors must reflect on past experiences to re-imagine their practices. A compassionate, ethical approach can foster supportive environments, enhancing individual well-being and organisational resilience in serving diverse communities.Utilising diverse conceptual and methodological perspectives, the articles in this research topic emphasize the need to adapt to new work structures during challenging times. They highlight the importance of employee well-being and equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) while examining effective management strategies for businesses transitioning to remote work environments.