Are Employees Assets ?

I often see that the top management of various organizations seeing Employees as Assets. I read an article by Mr. Kevin Wheeler and was shocked but convinced about the point he was trying to make.

He says's Employees are not assets

• Employees are Investors
  
• Employees are assets till the point they are gaining.
  

These points are very simple, precise and you will always think that this is something you already knew, but often ignored.

HR professionals should also treat them as investors rather than assets which would ensure creativity and growth for everyone at the organization.