What is a "Valuable" Employee?

What is This Intangible "Value" We Speak Of?

I frequently hear companies purport that their employees are their "most valuable assets."  Although I understand where the company may feel that way, I don't think many companies know what this means.  How do you truly equate "value" to an employee?  Is it a dollar-value that you place on an employee's head? If that were the case, then I can see some employees who may feel they are "depreciated" on the books....

Hiring for Ideas

It occurred to me that the "value" an employee can offer to a business is both his/her actual experience and IDEAS.  I suggest that if you're an employer, you should look to hire employees who have IDEAS in their heads.  When interviewing, you should ask candidates what ideas they may have developed in the past to improve their efficiency, quality of work, or safety at work.  You may even ask them what ideas they may have for marketing or business development for your product or service!  You never know what you might encounter.  (Keep in mind, every person is also a consumer!)    I assure you that newly hired employees WANT to make a mark quickly in the company.  They bring new and fresh perspectives that offer you something no one else can!  

Your Current Team

As for your existing team, consider the "value" of their ideas (having more knowledge of your business and what may or may not work).  Pull your employees into the fold and ask them to share their ideas and opinions.  People want to feel as though they make a difference and create value for their employer.  They don't like being seen as "overhead" or "labor cost" but rather as a valued addition.  You may just find the "value" you've been paying for has been there the whole time!      

One Final Note

In truth, I personally don't like the term "asset" when it comes to people.  People are not assets that depreciate value on the books.  They are not acquisitions or materials that can be bought and traded.  People are resources to be invested in, and enriched to get a return on your investment.  I suggest considering changing your verbiage to, "Our people are the most important resource to our business."

For Personal Attention to Personnel Matters....

Kathleen Lapekas - PHR 

Action HR Consulting

812.457.1068

kathleenlapekas@consultant.com