Employees As Assets

If you're an organization still referring to your employees as assets, I'd like to propose a change.

Referring to employees as assets is the equivalent of employees referring to your organization as 'income.'

employee : asset :: organization : income

It defines the relationship entirely by a single function and doesn't capture the depth and breadth of what your organization does. In the statement above, you're only defined by how you act in a single capacity for employees.

It doesn't feel good, right? To be defined by a single aspect when you're so much bigger than that?

You're driven by mission and purpose; you lead large groups of people in service of thoughtfully created strategic plans and goals; you prioritize quality and care for your customers - the list of what you do as an organization is extensive!

Employees feel the same. To be described as assets is diminishing. It reduces their value from the complex, multidimensional, talented humans they are to their general utility to your organization.

Now, I know…we've stretched this analogy a bit. Asset is just a word that's used sometimes unconsciously or as part of some legacy language.

However, at 8Kind Co., we frequently hear feedback from employees that:

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😤 They're frustrated by their lack of ability to contribute at work.

🪡 They feel hemmed in by unnecessary structure and layers of approval to get things done.

🥰 They don't trust that their organization really values or cares about them.

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The essence of the word asset is in this feedback.

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Employees want to be seen and appreciated for who they are and valued because they choose to use their talents and skills to support your organization.

They want more trust, accountability, and partnership with less command and constraint.

Words are powerful. So, the next time you find yourself describing the people who work for your organization, rather than referring to them as assets, consider calling them your partners, associates, or leaders - just to name a few. This simple change in language communicates a deeper level of respect and appreciation for the individuals who contribute to your organization's success.

Describe the people who work for your organization, rather than referring to them as assets, consider calling them your partners, associates, or leaders.