Human Resources vs. Human Development

MLS — Sun, 04 Sep 2011 00:06:53 +0000

Historically, people have used “human resources” to relate to what individuals can contribute to an organization, but the trend is towards the use of “human development” to refer to all human resources activities.

Human Development originally meant a country’s quality of life, as measured by the Human Development Index. Traditionally, the United States, with its focus on individualism, tends to concentrate on economic achievements: a person is expected to be a self-made success, the embodiment of the American Dream.

Nowadays, concerns about quality of life at work are higher on the scale than in the past. In contrast to the idea of making the most of oneself, companies emphasize looking out for each other more than they used to, so it makes sense that even in the business world, one can find an expression describing the general wellbeing.

The concept of human development is getting greater recognition in companies. For example, Monterey Language Services recently moved to a much larger space at the same location. These new, bigger offices are designed to specifically fit team members’ needs. The objects that represent the business aspect of the company are positioned so that they take second place to items that make people feel comfortable.

We open the windows to allow for a refreshing view of the outside world. Every person who has entered the new premises has been impressed by the cheerful, positive and vibrant ambiance. Working here, you feel not like a cog in the machine, but like a human working towards a progressive goal, contributing something good to other people and the world.

Monterey Language Services' Blog » Team Needs

Human Resources vs. Human Development