Investments in human capital: the case of Slovene micro companies

Investments in human capital (employees) include investments in the direct assurance of working abilities, investments in health and well-being and investments in loyalty to the company. These investments are crucial for the long-term existence and development of a company, but their value is not disclosed on the assets side of the classical balance sheet. The most important argument given by the proponents of this approach is that the economic benefits stemming from such investments are uncertain. However, investments in human capital are those with the highest long-term benefits for the company. Therefore, human capital is the only element of the business process that can add value. Other elements (means of production, materials and services) just transfer their value to products and services. This paper discusses the elements of investments in human capital and the methods used to evaluate these investments. This is followed by the impact that treatment of investments in employees in classical accounting has on the true and fair view of financial statements. And finally, results of the research dealing with investments in employees in Slovene micro companies are presented.