People and Culture Shared Interest Group

As an early-stage professional, I've noticed that in many organizations people are sometimes referred to as 'resources' when discussing projects or staffing, I understand that the term is often used from an operational or planning perspective, but personally I'm not sure I find it very human.

I'd be curious to hear your thoughts,  how does this term resonate with you in your professional environments?

Very interesting though Yukta. Personally, my thought is that might be the 'professional' project oriented speech that seems impersonal. However, I would hope that the actual team recognizes the people (individuals) that are working on the project. Often, when you work on teams, it offers the opportunity to work with and learn from different people with different perspectives. 

As an early-stage professional, I've noticed that in many organizations people are sometimes referred to as 'resources' when discussing projects or staffing, I understand that the term is often used from an operational or planning perspective, but personally I'm not sure I find it very human.

I'd be curious to hear your thoughts,  how does this term resonate with you in your professional environments?

As an early-stage professional, I've noticed that in many organizations people are sometimes referred to as 'resources' when discussing projects or staffing, I understand that the term is often used from an operational or planning perspective, but personally I'm not sure I find it very human.

I'd be curious to hear your thoughts,  how does this term resonate with you in your professional environments?

I completely agree with you. It can appear to be dehumanizing and rightfully so.

'Resource planning' sounds fine, but referring to people as resources is something that we should begin to change. What would you propose as alternatives?

As an early-stage professional, I've noticed that in many organizations people are sometimes referred to as 'resources' when discussing projects or staffing, I understand that the term is often used from an operational or planning perspective, but personally I'm not sure I find it very human.

I'd be curious to hear your thoughts,  how does this term resonate with you in your professional environments?

As an early-stage professional, I've noticed that in many organizations people are sometimes referred to as 'resources' when discussing projects or staffing, I understand that the term is often used from an operational or planning perspective, but personally I'm not sure I find it very human.

I'd be curious to hear your thoughts,  how does this term resonate with you in your professional environments?

I can understand where you are coming from Yukta. To me, operationally a broad reference to people as "resources" is acceptable when referring to capacity or staffing levels. Similarly, people are also referred to as "capital"- another reference that be construed as being inanimate, as they are considered as inputs. Culturally, referring to people as "resources" or "capital" is seen as being outdated and misaligned with contemporary leadership values. That may be why most current management leaders use the term "human" before these inanimate words to reinforce dignity and the creativity, judgment etc. that human beings bring to the table.

As an early-stage professional, I've noticed that in many organizations people are sometimes referred to as 'resources' when discussing projects or staffing, I understand that the term is often used from an operational or planning perspective, but personally I'm not sure I find it very human.

I'd be curious to hear your thoughts,  how does this term resonate with you in your professional environments?

I wholeheartedly agree with these affectionate experienced professionals --> @Izz Ansari @Prakash Rajan @Chevonne Alston - Clap-Clap!!

I like warmth and personal relationships where appropriate, but some environments are very sterile, very siloed, impersonal, some agencies for example come to mind. As such I think it's a mix and a balance of being yourself and conforming to the status quo where this is possible - in some institutions for example you must address people the way you have to, some things are off limits, and if you want to be a part of that you have to abide by it. But at corporate environments you can be a bit warmer or a bit cooler depending on your position, character, what you choose. 

However, communication and transactions should always root out respect and giving people the benefit of the doubt. I try my best to practice this, but I sometimes fail.

Terrific personal, behavioral, human, and lovely post! @Yukta Sharma 

~Chalo! 🕊️

ilya ilienko

As an early-stage professional, I've noticed that in many organizations people are sometimes referred to as 'resources' when discussing projects or staffing, I understand that the term is often used from an operational or planning perspective, but personally I'm not sure I find it very human.

I'd be curious to hear your thoughts,  how does this term resonate with you in your professional environments?