The Value of Employees and KPIs

We live in a business climate which has become infatuated with the idea of key performance indicators (KPIs). The sheer number of software tools focused on KPIs and business metrics is evidence of their rise in popularity. KPIs provide historical and trending information regarding how well a company is performing concerning its objectives. KPIs can and generally do reveal highly valuable data across all departments of a company.

Alternatively, business leaders should express caution in over-institutionalizing KPIs. Let me be clear, a performance-driven culture has many benefits, but if it becomes the central theme, then employees begin to resemble transactions rather than human beings. People are more than a measurement and have enormous value in the eyes of their Creator. Yes, KPIs deliver highly valuable statistics, but if an employee’s worth is regulated to a data point, the company’s mission is the singular pursuit of net profit.

“Jesus in effect is saying you can amass untold riches, acquire real estate in every country, pick all the right stocks and drive the most exceptional cars but it will purchase you nothing in the kingdom of God.”

The real danger in hyper KPI cultures is that it communicates to employee’s their value is correlated to net profit. Conversely, Jesus made it clear in God’s economy the worlds monetary system is irrelevant as it relates to a person’s worth “for what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul?” (ESV, Matthew 16:26). Did you hear that? Jesus in effect is saying you can amass untold riches, acquire real estate in every country, pick all the right stocks and drive the most exceptional cars but it will purchase you nothing in the kingdom of God. In fact, if you are not careful, it could have irreversible eternal consequences.         

So, when considering or evaluating KPIs never lose sight that a true reflection of an employee’s value is through the eyes of their Creator and not a statistic.