🌟 Word of the Day — 20 Rabiʿ al-Awwal 1447 AH, September 13, 2025 ‘Human Resources’ 🌟

Coach Ward

Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Estimated read time: 4–5 min read

👋 Introduction

Welcome back to the Business English Word of the Day series! Today we turn our attention to a term that shapes every workplace yet is often misunderstood: Human Resources. More than just a department, HR is the beating heart of an organization, connecting strategy with people, policy with practice, and culture with growth.

📖 What Does “Human Resources” Mean?

Human Resources (HR) refers to the division of a business or organization responsible for managing its people, its employees. HR oversees recruitment, training, development, benefits, workplace culture, conflict resolution, and compliance with labor laws.

In simple terms: if a business is the body, HR is the system that keeps its people aligned, supported, and productive.

🧬 Word Origin: Where Does “Human Resources” Come From?

The term dates back to the early 20th century. “Resource” comes from the Latin resurgere meaning “to rise again” or “means of support.” Initially, it described physical resources (like materials or capital). By the 1910s, businesses began using “human resources” to describe employees as valuable assets, just as essential as money or machines. Over time, the term evolved to emphasize people as the most important resource in business.

🧠 Why Human Resources Matters in Business

HR is not just paperwork, it’s strategy. Strong HR can:

• Attract top talent 🧑‍💼

• Retain employees by fostering growth and culture 🌱

• Ensure legal compliance ⚖️

• Increase productivity through training and engagement 🚀

• Shape company culture, making it a place people want to stay

Simply put: HR is about creating environments where people and businesses thrive together.

🙋 Who Uses Human Resources (and Why)?

• Employees: To access support, resolve conflicts, and grow professionally

• Managers: To recruit, train, and lead stronger teams

• Executives: To align people strategy with company goals

• Entrepreneurs/Small Businesses: To build fair, sustainable, and scalable organizations

❤️ The Coach Ward Way

As someone running a global business, I’ve seen firsthand how critical HR is. When I bring together people from different cultures, languages, and professional backgrounds, HR isn’t just about forms, it’s about understanding. It’s about making sure that every person feels seen, supported, and empowered to succeed.

In truth, “human resources” reminds me of something deeper: your people are not just resources, they are your business.

📌 Examples in Action

• “The company’s Human Resources department introduced new wellness initiatives.”

• “Strong HR policies help reduce turnover and boost employee satisfaction.”

• “As the startup grew, they hired an HR manager to handle recruitment and compliance.”

🚀 Your Turn

If you were to design your ideal HR department, what would be its top priority? Recruitment, training, wellness, or culture? Think about it, and reflect on how HR could transform your workplace.

👉 Let’s keep growing, one word at a time!