Loss of humanity with the term “resource management”

In ad agencies, there is a role called Resource Management. One of my favorite folks in this work. During a project, if you need an extra set of hand, those are the folks that get them to you. They ask all the right questions and they move FAST. 

But the term has always been problematic to me. Especially the word “Resource.” To me, resources are things you put into a process to get a cumulative product. So when we call humans resources, doesn’t that strip the humanity from it? It creates a mental frame that a person, let’s say a designer, is expected to go in and do things with no human needs. It reduces them to mere cogs in a machine, where their creativity, emotions, and individuality are overlooked in favor of efficiency and output. This mindset can lead to burnout and disengagement, as it neglects the fact that people thrive when they feel valued and respected, not just for their work, but for who they are as individuals.

This framing of work impacts how we approach people—making us think they’re just another part of the assembly line that doesn’t need nurturing. When we see individuals as resources, we often overlook the importance of fostering their growth, supporting their well-being, and recognizing their unique contributions. This resource-centric mindset can lead to a workplace culture that undervalues the very qualities that make talented individuals thrive.

Instead of viewing people as resources, we should see them as talent—unique individuals with skills, insights, and potential that is not solely focused on measurement or output. Referring to them as talent acknowledges their intrinsic value and the distinct contributions they bring to the table. It shifts the focus from simply extracting value to nurturing growth, development, and creativity in a way that benefits both the individual and the organization.