General human capital refers to a set of knowledge, skills and abilities possessed by individuals, characterized by high transferability and wide applicability. Although general human capital serves as a crucial strategic resource for manufacturing enterprises in their servitization transformation, existing literature has not yet explored whether there exists a “servitization paradox” concerning general human capital in manufacturing firms. This paper selects A-share listed manufacturing enterprises as research samples to investigate the intrinsic relationship between service-oriented manufacturing and general human capital. The study finds that service-oriented manufacturing can significantly promote the upgrading of general human capital, with the efficiency wage effect, economies of scale effect and ESG advantage effect functioning as the underlying mechanisms and pathways. Heterogeneity analysis shows that the promoting effect of service-oriented manufacturing on the upgrading of general human capital is more significant in non-high-tech enterprises as well as those in the growth and mature stages. From the perspective of industry factor intensity, there is no significant difference in the impact of service-oriented manufacturing on general human capital. In terms of service-oriented manufacturing types, embedded services can significantly promote the upgrading of general human capital, while the effect of mixed services is not obvious. The research conclusions of this paper not only help deepen the understanding of the microeconomic consequences of service-oriented manufacturing, but also provide theoretical basis and practical guidance for manufacturing enterprises to gain competitive advantages by enhancing general human capital.