The Strategic Role of HR in Hybrid Work Environments: An Application of the ‘Harvard’ Model

Abstract. The shift to hybrid workplaces has accelerated following the COVID-19 pandem-ic, offering new opportunities for organizations to create value. While it is widely recognized that the HR function plays a crucial role in managing this transition, existing research has not sufficiently explored the strategic role of HR in effectively implementing hybrid work envi-ronments. This study addresses this gap by providing both theoretical and practical insights into how HR can lead and support hybrid work arrangements. Through the lens of the Harvard model, the research employs a longitudinal case study of an Italian company over four years, analyzing the HR department’s interventions in collaboration with management and employees. The study examines how HR practices were co-designed to align with stakeholder interests and situational factors, ultimately creating a coherent strategy for hybrid work implementation. By integrating theory with practical application, this research contributes to the literature on HR management and hybrid work, offering a detailed exploration of the necessary alignment be-tween HR practices and organizational goals in hybrid work environments, and highlighting the importance of continuous outcome monitoring.