The Human Race

“Our employees are our greatest resource.”

Do we really believe this?

Human resources. Human capital. Associates. Representatives. Team Members. These are different things companies call the people that perform the work that generates value and ultimately profit.

In today’s hyper-competitive environment, how many companies truly elevate their employees to the highest level of importance in their long list of priorities? Are they being treated like real people, individuals, or are they just replaceable parts in an ever changing workplace engine?

There is no doubt that companies, just like people, face challenges, dilemmas and tough decisions in their day to day struggle to stay relevant in the marketplace in order to survive and thrive. (Just look at what Yahoo! and Starbucks are going through right now…) And to do that, companies need to make tough decisions – such as whether to lay people off, outsource jobs, bring in new leadership, etc.

So the question is: How should companies handle these challenges? Can companies bring dignity to our humanity and still be able to operate competitively? Or is it even possible?

And then there is the question: How do we handle these situations? How should we followers of Christ act? Should we demand respect and justice for God’s greatest Creation when we see an injustice? Is it enough that we just speak up and make sure our point of view is heard? Or is it better to simply turn the other cheek?