“It’s cheaper to do it by hand than machine,” a laundry worker in Mumbai told me.
At first, I thought I had misheard him over the roar of motorbikes delivering heaps of laundry from hotels and hospitals. But then I noticed an old washing machine in a dimly lit room. Outside, workers were using their hands to perform tasks machines were designed for, demonstrating resilience and skill in an inspiring yet sobering way.
This generational system thrives on sheer human effort. In a world obsessed with productivity and efficiency, are we losing sight of what truly drives progress: People?
This question is poignant in the nonprofit sector. Organisations tackling the world’s toughest challenges—strengthening health systems, fighting climate change, protecting people from conflict—often face burnout and chronic underfunding. Why? Their human and structural costs seem to be undervalued.
Thankfully, funders increasingly recognise the importance of funding human and structural costs. Many grants now include indirect costs, with some offering coverage of up to 20% or more. These funders understand that investing in people, training, and infrastructure is not optional but essential for sustainability and long-term impact.
Yet some scepticism remains. “Why fund structural costs?” some funders who focus only on direct program activities ask.
The truth is simple: Employees should not be measured by cost per hour or productivity metrics. The actual value of team members lies in the impact they can create when equipped with the right tools, resources, and recognition. Whether a worker washing clothes in Mumbai or a nonprofit team tackling inequalities, people are the force behind progress.
But this also requires strong leadership. As my friend, Michael D. Watkins author of "The First 90 Days: Proven Strategies for Getting Up to Speed Faster and Smarter", writes:
“To be successful, you need to mobilize the energy of many others in your organization. If you do the right things, your vision, expertise, and drive can propel you forward and serve as seed crystals.”
So, let’s not just acknowledge people’s value but invest in them. It’s the only way to scale impact truly. Don’t you agree?
#non-profits #philanthropy #leadership #impact #value
Source: Goodreads
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