Managing Crises in Romania’s Public Sector: Between Resilience and Transformation

This study investigates the effects of crises on human resource management in the public sector, with a particular focus on recruitment and retention processes during the COVID-19 pandemic. The analysis centers on the response of Romania’s National Agency of Civil Servants (NACS) to unprecedented challenges in workforce planning, candidate selection, and employee well-being. Using a quantitative methodology, data were collected via a structured online questionnaire distributed to 107 permanent NACS employees, of which 85 (79%) completed it. The findings reveal significant disruptions in recruitment activity, with 76% of respondents perceiving a decline in position occupancy and 85% indicating that digital recruitment methods limited candidate accessibility. Major constraints included reduced financial resources, postponed competitions, platform instability, and poor internet connectivity. Psychological stress was reported by the majority of employees, especially during prolonged remote work or early lockdown periods, while ineffective internal communication was also associated with increased tension and uncertainty. Despite these challenges, the study also highlights perceived advantages of digitalization, including improved administrative efficiency, faster communication, and better access to evaluation materials. The research emphasizes the need for adaptive, inclusive, and resilient HR strategies in the public sector, drawing key lessons from the crisis for future institutional preparedness and policy development.