The research explores the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic global disruption and how it influenced human resource management (HRM). The study investigates the challenges experienced by organizations during the COVID-19 pandemic and how the human resource teams and the management responded and evolved to maintain and retain employees. The study draws from previous research and confirms the vulnerabilities of the traditional HR system to the COVID-19 disruptions. The vulnerabilities risked halting operations, including exposing employees to health risks. Only agile organizations survived the COVID-19 disruptions. Key lessons for HRM management include the importance of the organization's adaptability, the importance of human capital during disasters, and the need to prepare employees. Also, the role of empathetic leadership and transparent communication, changes in talent acquisition and retention strategies from the traditional methods, and workforce adaptability. The propositions for human resources practices allow organizations to deal with emerging human resources issues while adapting to new HR practices such as remote work and virtual recruitment.