Humans, not Resources

An unconventionally basic view on humanity.

Early in 2017 we bought stickers to label valuable items around the office. At the time, we had moved into our new space and spend thousands on work stations, televisions, and more. The stickers marked high value items that belong to the company that we didn’t want to lose.

In hindsight, we probably should have put stickers on employees too, right? Aren’t they valuable? They’re company assets after all, yeah?

Of course not. The notion is ludicrous. Offensive.

If that’s true, then why do we refer to employees as head counts and resources? This happens in businesses everywhere. We see it in ‘resource management’ for projects and entire departments committed to these ‘human resources’. This language, as well as the accompanying mindset, relegates people to nothing more than disposable cogs in an ever turning wheel. It rids them of mankind’s greatest asset, our humanity. It’s a form of objectification.

If industrialization and it’s counterpart, standardized education, have taught us anything it’s that humans are unique, creative, and more than mere pieces of equipment. We can try, but they don’t fit into the machine. Perhaps they will at first, but eventually they seek purpose and value that machines have yet to comprehend.

Where it Leads

On the edge of the next major wave of technological advancements, it’s easy to become fearful. From space travel to artificial intelligence, the future holds untold evolution. These changes mean many will be displaced from jobs and certain skills will become obsolete.

Fortunately, humanity still possesses one of history’s more valuable traits: adaptability. It is man kind’s competitive advantage. Our ability to flex and change defines us more than any other species. Our current jobs can be replaced, but the ingenuity that led us here still exists and continue to be required. The future will need more, not less of this special sauce and it’s up to embrace and champion this power and authority within our jobs, our families, and our businesses.

Words Matter

Choosing words like headcount and resource to define people dampens the spirit that makes humans great. It stifles growth and inspiration.

Perhaps if we stopped talking about and treating people like they’re resources, they’ll stop acting like them. They are more than that today and the future will need more than that from them too.