I have a degree in economics. I know the term. That it is academic in origins and intended to be used in formal economics does not make it not dehumanizing. It is, just in a neutral way."Human capital" is an economic term. It has a specific meaning and while many have mistaken it in a "dehumanizing" manner, that's not how it's meant or how it was used.
That’s why it’s an economic term not one generally used in interviews. Despite its origins, using it outside of a forum where you can give it proper context leads to bad optics.
In an interview regarding a subject where you already have a context of some people complaining they are being undervalued and sacrificed for the sake of profits, you get terrible optics.
I mean, imagine using “human capital” while directly addressing restless strikers. Do you think the results would calming or inflammatory?