Revolutionizing human resources: Blockchain as a catalyst for sustainable and ethical practices

Satish Raman Menon; Jaya Yadav; Ashok Chopra

doi:10.31893/multirev.2026105

Keywords:

blockchain technology

sustainable HR practices

organizational sustainability

data security

ethical workplaces

innovation

Abstract

Blockchain technology presents transformative potential across various sectors, including human resources (HR). This study explores the integration of blockchain technology as a catalyst for advancing sustainable practices within HR. Specifically, it examines how Blockchain can enhance HR processes' sustainability, efficiency, and transparency while contributing to broader organizational sustainability goals. The research aims to assess the impact of blockchain technology on environmental, social, and economic dimensions of sustainability, focusing on its application in key HR functions such as recruitment, payroll management, employee verification, and performance monitoring. What sets this investigation apart is its detailed focus on the intersection of blockchain technology and HR practices, highlighting its potential to foster more ethical and sustainable workplaces. By leveraging the decentralized and immutable characteristics of Blockchain, organizations can enhance data security, mitigate fraud, and build greater trust and accountability. Furthermore, Blockchain's ability to reduce paperwork and streamline workflows can significantly diminish the environmental footprint of HR operations. Through a comprehensive analysis of contemporary research and case studies, this study offers valuable insights into the practical applications of blockchain technology in HR and its alignment with sustainability objectives. The findings suggest that Blockchain improves operational efficiency and promotes sustainable development by encouraging ethical practices and reducing resource consumption.
References
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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

How to cite

Menon, S. R., Yadav, J., & Chopra, A. (2025). Revolutionizing human resources: Blockchain as a catalyst for sustainable and ethical practices. Multidisciplinary Reviews, 9(2), 2026105. https://doi.org/10.31893/multirev.2026105

[1] Advisor. (2024). How blockchain is transforming HR systems. HR Advisor Magazine. https://hradvisor.com/blockchain-hr-2024

[2] Blockchain could turn HR on its head: How might HR change with blockchain? (2023, February 22). LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/blockchain-could-turn-hr-its-head-how-might-change-2coms

[3] Catalini, C., & Gans, J. S. (2020). Some simple economics of the blockchain. Communications of the ACM, 63(7), 80–90. https://doi.org/10.1145/3359552

[4] Clohessy, T., Acton, T., & Rogers, N. (2018). Blockchain adoption: Technological, organisational and environmental considerations. In H. Treiblmaier & R. Beck (Eds.), Business transformation through blockchain (pp. 47–76). Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-98911-2_2

[5] Darodjat, T. A., & Arapah, S. N. (2024). Blockchain in HR: Enhancing security and transparency in talent management. PENANOMICS: International Journal of Economics, 3(2), 101–113. https://doi.org/10.56107/penanomics.v3i2.177

[6] Ghobakhloo, M., Iranmanesh, M., Mubarik, M. S., Mubarak, M. F., Amran, A., & Khanfar, A. A. A. (2023). Blockchain technology as an enabler for sustainable business ecosystems: A comprehensive roadmap for socioenvironmental and economic sustainability. Business Strategy and Development, 7(1), Article e319. https://doi.org/10.1002/bsd2.319

[7] Gupta, M. (2019). Blockchain for dummies (2nd ed.). Wiley.

[8] Hong, Z., & Xiao, K. (2024). Digital economy structuring for sustainable development: The role of blockchain and artificial intelligence in improving supply chain and reducing negative environmental impacts. Scientific Reports, 14(1), Article 53760. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-53760-3

[9] How blockchain technology could impact HR and the world of work. (n.d.). PwC. https://www.pwc.ch/en/insights/hr/how-blockchain-can-impact-hr-and-theworld-of-work.html

[10] Huang, M., Law, K. M. Y., & Ouyang, Z. (2024). Sustainable human resource management practices and corporate sustainable supply chain: The moderating role of firm technology orientation. Enterprise Information Systems, 18(7). https://doi.org/10.1080/17517575.2024.2351862

[11] Kumar, G., Saha, R., Gupta, M., & Kim, T. H. (2024). BRON: A blockchained framework for privacy information retrieval in human resource management. Heliyon, 10(13), e33393. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e33393

[12] Mahankali, S. (2019). Blockchain: The untold story. BPB Publications. https://books.google.ie/books?id=TFOwAAQBAJ

[13] Michailidis, M. P. (2018). The challenges of AI and blockchain on HR recruiting practices. The Cyprus Review, 30(2), 169–180. https://www.cyprusreview.org/index.php/cr/article/view/763/622

[14] Mishra, H., & Venkatesan, M. (2021). Blockchain in human resource management of organizations: An empirical assessment to gauge HR and non-HR perspective. Journal of Organizational Change Management, 34(2), 525–542. https://doi.org/10.1108/jocm-08-2020-0261

[15] Mohamad, G., Gernal, & Imtiaz. (2022). Blockchain in strategic human resource management. Westford Research Journal, 2(1), 188–204. https://journal.mywestford.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Paper-11.pdf

[16] Sharif, M. M., & Ghodoosi, F. (2022). The ethics of blockchain in organizations. Journal of Business Ethics, 178(4), 1009–1025. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-022-05058-5

[17] Tapscott, D., & Tapscott, A. (2016). Blockchain revolution: How the technology behind Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies is changing the world. Penguin.

[18] Verma, G., Gandhi, K., Agrawal, R., Kukreja, S., & Makhija, M. (2023). Blockchain system in human resource management. International Journal of Creative Research Thoughts, 11(4), 344–360. https://ijcrt.org/papers/IJCRT2304530.pdf

[19] Yi, C. S. S., Yung, E., Fong, C., & Tripathi, S. (2020). Benefits and use of blockchain technology to human resources management: A critical review. International Journal of Human Resource Studies, 10(2), 131–145. https://doi.org/10.5296/ijhrs.v10i2.16932

[20] Ahmed, A. (2018, March 14). How blockchain will change HR forever. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/ashikahmed/2018/03/14/how-blockchain-will-change-hr-forever/?sh=1d2d3680727c

[21] Chillakuri, B., & Attili, V. S. P. (2021, March 22). Role of blockchain in HR’s response to new-normal. International Journal of Organizational Analysis, 30(6), 1359–1378. https://doi.org/10.1108/ijoa-08-2020-2363

[22] Lochard, F. (2021, April 12). Blockchain: Rocking the world of HR. Morgan Philips Global. https://www.morganphilips.com/en/insights/blockchain-rocking-the-world-of-hr

[23] Chandna, A., & Ross, R. (2023, May 29). How enterprise blockchain supports sustainability in your company. EY. https://www.ey.com/en_sg/consulting/how-enterprise-blockchain-supports-sustainability-in-your-company

[24] Gupta, V. (2023, September 27). The impact of blockchain technology on HR processes. ETHRWorld.com. https://hrme.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/hrtech/the-impact-of-blockchain-technology-on-hr-processes/103978267

[25] Gunthner, J. (2023, October 26). Blockchain: A game-changer for environmental stewardship and sustainability. PALTRON. https://www.paltron.com/insights-en/blockchain-a-game-changer-for-environmental-stewardship-and-sustainability

[26] Hub, H. C. (2024, February 23). How blockchain is transforming HR and payroll management. Human Capital Hub. https://www.thehumancapitalhub.com/articles/how-blockchain-is-transforming-hr-and-payroll-management

[27] ElitWeb3. (2024, March 25). Blockchain for a greener planet and exploring sustainable solutions. LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/blockchain-greener-planet-exploring-sustainable-solutions-elitweb3-axm4f

[28] Solutions, E. (2024, March 25). Blockchain for a greener planet and exploring sustainable solutions. LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/blockchain-greener-planet-exploring-sustainable-solutions-elitweb3-axm4f

Abstract

References

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