Actually, "assets" would be an improvement in a way of treating humans, at least in the accounting balance sheet sense.

Right now, and for the last 100 years or longer -- ever since generalized accounting standards were codified -- human workers are considered as liabilities, and every one of us show up on the liabilities side of the balance sheet when we work for firms.

Corporations have actually thought up creative ways in defining a relatively new class of assets -- known as intangible assets: things like goodwill, brand, intellectual property, copyrights, trademarks, patents, even social capital.

Imagine as assets, humans would better become valued in terms of investment. For example, monies spent in training or employee development or employee wellness would show up as investment in intangible assets -- which increase value. Right now, investment in employees shows up as liabilities, a cost of goods sold -- which decrease value.

Firms don't "own" humans as assets in the traditional sense. However, there are ways to account for humans to reflect more value, and this relates to the Triple Bottom Line approach to a Benefits "B" Corporation.

Treating humans as intangible assets might help corporations do "the right thing" for Team Human.