“Football is simple. But the hardest thing is to play simple football.”
Footballer and coach Johan Cruyff explains: what is obvious is not necessarily simple. This also applies to optimizing human capital, which is essential for a healthy and successful company.
AN ORGANIC COMPANY
Investing in human capital may seem obvious. However, the approach differs from one company to another. Even today, there are companies where only numbers matter. Some pay some attention to human capital, but not in a fundamental way or with sincere interest. Human capital is seen as a means to an end. “Organic” companies place people at the center of their work: they have a clear mission and purpose, employees are given genuine autonomy, and are recognized for who they are and what they do. These companies strengthen and motivate their employees so they can perform their jobs with passion and enjoyment. In this context, profitability is not a goal but the result of a human-centered entrepreneurial spirit. These companies realize that investing in human capital pays off in many ways. Of course, a good financial dashboard remains the way to monitor this and adjust or guide efforts where needed.
THE GROWING IMPORTANCE OF HUMAN CAPITAL
Human capital will become increasingly important in the future, for two reasons:
1/ Digitalization and Robotics
In this era of rapid digitalization, companies that maximize human capital stand out. Customer intimacy cannot be created by a robot or a computer. Many essential things cannot be performed by an algorithm. In his book When Digital Becomes Human, author Steven Van Belleghem goes deeper into this. Showing creativity and empathy, working with passion, etc., are the exclusive domain of humans. A healthy, forward-looking company pursues a balance between automation and human capital.
2/ Generation Y
Interesting profiles from Generation Y actively seek employers who prioritize values such as humanity and authenticity. They are more aware of seeking an attractive job that provides them satisfaction. This generation quickly senses whether such an approach is an integral and sincere part of the company culture or not.
OPTIMIZING HUMAN CAPITAL
Investing in human capital is a long-term project. It starts with taking a stance: why do I do what I do, how do I do it, what can be improved? Regular reflection is essential. Furthermore, “empowerment” is particularly present: it stimulates engagement, autonomy, and a proactive approach among employees.
Optimization is considered in different ways. A company can clearly define its vision and values and actively seek employees whose attitudes align with this culture. In addition, investing in training, creating, and developing career paths is also positive, so employees are valued and given the opportunity to work from their passions. Such investments lead to a more organic way of doing business and a healthy company.
Marc Diamant
