Research Article Published 31 January 2026

Strategic Human Resource Management in the Future of Work: A Systematic Review of Digital Transformation, Inclusion, and Sustainability

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Ki, Y. P., & Sakaki, R. (2026). Strategic Human Resource Management in the Future of Work: A Systematic Review of Digital Transformation, Inclusion, and Sustainability. Journal of Business Management and Accounting, 16(1), 57-81. https://doi.org/10.32890/jbma2026.16.1.4
Yen Ping Ki
Faculty of Business, Design and Arts Swinburne University of Technology, Sarawak Campus, Malaysia
Redzwan Sakaki
Faculty of Business and Communication, University Malaysia Perlis, Malaysia
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Abstract

The global workforce is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by advancements in technology, growing environmental concerns, and changing societal expectations. These forces have significantly redefined the field of Human Resource Management (HRM). This systematic literature review examines the crucial role of HRM in addressing the emerging challenges and complexities of the future of work. Despite growing academic and practical interest in this area, a lack of consolidated knowledge persists, hindering the mapping of multifaceted challenges and strategic responses required of HR professionals. This review employed a structured methodology, grounded in the PRISMA framework, to address this gap, utilizing advanced searches across the Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science databases. The keywords "human resource management," "future," and "work" guided the search, resulting in a refined selection of 31 recent and peer-reviewed articles for in-depth analysis. The synthesis of findings revealed three core thematic clusters shaping the discourse: (1) Strategic and Inclusive Human Resource Practices in Evolving Workplaces, highlighting the integration of equity, diversity, and inclusive leadership in response to changing workforce demographics and expectations; (2) Technology, Digital Transformation, and the Future of Work, emphasizing the implications of artificial intelligence, algorithmic management, and virtual environments on HR functions and employee experiences; and (3) Green HRM, Sustainability, and Global Workforce Challenges, focusing on the growing alignment between HRM practices and environmental sustainability goals, particularly through green training, leadership, and employee engagement. The synthesis concludes that the future relevance of HRM hinges on its ability to integrate strategic inclusivity, ethical technology adoption, and green practices into a cohesive, human-centric framework. The findings provide a comprehensive foundation for scholars, practitioners, and policymakers seeking to advance HRM strategies in an increasingly volatile and complex world of work.

Keywords
Human resource management future work digital transformation inclusion sustainability

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2
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2
2026

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Citation percentile 97th
Field-weighted citation impact 9.82

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Identifiers
DOI · 10.32890/jbma2026.16.1.4
OpenAlex · W7128519519

References

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