There's a weird effect where people become disgruntled with the current terminology because its offensive/demeaning and come up with new words to take their place.
Thus Personnel became Human Resources.
But often the new words are, with the passage of time, clearly just as, or more offensive than their predecessors. I mean, "Human Resources"?!! WTF! Are people really just "resources"? To me, Personnel sounds way friendlier.
Another one is around disability. We would never describe someone today as retarded. Yet really, is disabled any better? I'd rather be retarded (as in, slowed down a little) than disabled (completely stopped).
Thus Personnel became Human Resources.
But often the new words are, with the passage of time, clearly just as, or more offensive than their predecessors. I mean, "Human Resources"?!! WTF! Are people really just "resources"? To me, Personnel sounds way friendlier.
Another one is around disability. We would never describe someone today as retarded. Yet really, is disabled any better? I'd rather be retarded (as in, slowed down a little) than disabled (completely stopped).
[close to my heart: we write HR software :)]