Emre Ok
The landscape of human resources management is constantly in flux. That is why there is never a shortage of interesting reading material on HR. That being said, in an area where there are always hundreds of conflicting opinions and voices, as well as an abundance of literature, the question then becomes “Which HR books should I read?”.
Going into 2024, we figured you might want to update your library with some of the best HR books out there today. So we decided to put together this list of some of the most important and influential books on human resources management, as well as some hidden gems that are quickly becoming our personal favorites.
So without further ado, here are…
Top 10 HR books you need in your library!
0. How To Boost Remote Employee Performance in 2024
The Teamflect Writers Team
In a cheeky little entry, we are adding our own book as a pre-entry to the list. We published the most comprehensive guide to improving remote employee performance in 2024! When it comes to remote work and managing remote teams, there is far too much white noise out there. We sat through all that noise so you wouldn’t have to! Here is what we picked up on:
Keep up with all the latest developments in the world of remote work!
1. The Fearless Organization: Creating Psychological Safety in the Workplace for Learning, Innovation, and Growth
Amy C. Edmondson
Amy Edmondson’s “The Fearless Organization” delves into the critical concept of psychological safety in the workplace. It’s a comprehensive exploration of how companies can foster an environment where employees feel safe to take risks, voice their opinions, and learn from their mistakes without fear of retribution. Edmondson argues that such an atmosphere is essential for learning, innovation, and growth in today’s competitive business world.
This book is a great read for HR professionals seeking to create a culture that encourages open communication, collaboration, and continuous learning. Understanding and applying the concept of psychological safety can lead to higher employee engagement and innovation.
2. F*ck Your Office Snacks
Tara Furiani & Justin Boggs
A book that provides readers with a roadmap for creating a more inclusive, equitable, and respectful workplace culture that simply, doesn’t mince words. Written by the hosts of the popular HR Podcast, “Not The HR Lady”, Tara Furiani, and Justin Boggs, “F*ck Your Office Snacks” can just about be the most engaging and entertaining book on this list.
Furiani and Boggs always bring with them a sense of banter and humor that makes you feel like you’re in their kitchen, sharing a drink with them while having the most educated discussions on the issues that matter in human resources.
Furiani’s insights into the modern workplace through historical perspectives, news stories, studies, and data, combined with the “Mansplaining” provided by Boggs, make “F*ck Your Office Snacks” one of the most accessible and entertaining HR books you can find today. It is a must-read for 2024!
3. Belonging at Work: Everyday Actions You Can Take to Cultivate an Inclusive Organization
Rhodes Perry, MPA
Sticking with the theme of inclusivity and belonging, “Belonging At Work” emphasizes the importance of creating a workplace where everyone feels they belong. Perry explores belonging as a fundamental human need and shows how its presence or absence can significantly impact an employee’s engagement and well-being. The book is filled with personal stories, case studies, and actionable strategies, making it a practical guide for cultivating an inclusive organization.
The discussion of inclusivity has never been more relevant than it is now and it keeps getting more and more relevant with each passing day! If you want to deepen your understanding of creating a more inclusive and welcoming workplace, then this is the book for you. The strategies and insights offered are invaluable for fostering a sense of belonging among employees, which is key to retaining top talent.
4. Nine Lies About Work: A Freethinking Leader’s Guide to the Real World
Marcus Buckingham & Ashley Goodall
Do people really care about where they work? Does the best plan always win? Is top-down goal setting really effective? Buckingham and Goodall answer these three critical questions as well as many others in this absolute classic of a book. We know that this is a list of HR books but here’s the thing, while this book isn’t specifically about HR, it definitely deserves its spot on a list of HR books that everyone should read in 2024.
Every HR professional should challenge conventional wisdom the same way this book does so cleverly. uthors Marcus Buckingham and Ashley Goodall take an unorthodox approach by debunking nine common lies that are often perpetuated in the business world. They combine academic research with real-world examples to offer a fresh perspective on what truly motivates and engages employees at work.
“Nine Lies About Work” is a thought-provoking journey that encourages leaders to think differently about work, leadership, and team dynamics. It’s not just a critique of existing practices but a guide that offers new, evidence-based insights on how to lead more effectively and create a more authentic work environment.
5. HR Disrupted: It’s Time for Something Different
Lucy Adams
In case you haven’t noticed, we have a soft spot for disrupters here at the Teamflect blog. Two out of the first five HR books we’ve covered so far were inclusivity-related while the other three, including this gem by Lucy Adams, are all centered around disrupting HR as we know it!
Lucy Adams, who has experience as an HR director in several large organizations, brings a fresh perspective to human resources. She argues for a need to overhaul traditional HR practices to make them more relevant in today’s rapidly changing world.
Discussing key issues such as shifting the focus from policies to people, adaptability & agility in the world of HR, the personalization of employee experience, and so much more, Adams’s work is a call to action for HR professionals to rethink and innovate their practices. It’s a guide for building a more responsive, engaging, and people-focused HR function.
6. The Talent Delusion: Why Data, Not Intuition, Is the Key to Unlocking Human Potential
Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic
If there is one HR book that some of our readers might not agree with at first, this might just be it. This is a book that has received mixed reviews over the years. “The Talent Delusion” is a book in which Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, an expert in business psychology, challenges the traditional approaches to talent management that rely heavily on intuition and subjective judgment.
He instead advocates for a more scientific and data-driven approach to understanding and nurturing talent within organizations. Chamorro-Premuzic systematically debunks common myths surrounding talent assessment and development, arguing that many widely accepted practices are based on flawed intuitions and biases rather than solid evidence.
While this book has been praised for its deep dive into the psychology of talent and recruitment, some have stated that the book is a bit too light on the actual data analysis side.
Either way, there is no denying that “The Talent Delusion” has been an influential book in the world of human resources and as an HR book, it does deserve a spot on you library.
7. The Future of Work: Robots, AI, and Automation
Darrell M. West
Not every book on this list has to scream “PEOPLE AND CULTURE!” to be relevant to HR professionals or be considered an HR book. Has any concept been more relevant to HR professionals than the use of AI and automation at work in 2023? Going into 2024 consuming quality content on AI and automation is always a great idea.
In “The Future of Work,” Darrell M. West explores the profound changes that the workforce and the economy are undergoing due to the advancements in robotics, AI, and automation.
The book offers a thorough and thoughtful analysis of how these technologies are reshaping the labor market, potentially displacing some jobs while creating new opportunities in others. This becomes an increasingly more fascinating read as West delves into the implications for workers across various sectors, skill levels, and geographies, providing a nuanced view of the challenges and possibilities that lie ahead.
Some of the key concepts covered in the book that are sure to impact the day-to-day lives of HR professionals include how the recruitment landscape might change with advancements in AI, including how HR professionals find and attract talent suited for an increasingly digital and automated workplace.
We’ve covered the use of AI in HR in this blog before. It is a topic we’ll never not be fascinated by. Here is a brief discussion on the ethics of using AI at work.
8. Putting The Human Back Into HR
Su Patel
The conflict between “Human Resources vs Human Processes” is one that has come to define what the HR department means to outsiders. Should HR professionals be a hundred percent people-oriented or should they instead focus more on processes and remain policy driven? Or is the answer somewhere in the healthy middle?
Su Patel focuses on balancing these often competing aspects of HR. Patel identifies five key areas that HR professionals need to master to be effective, and the book offers practical advice on achieving this balance. This nifty book can prove incredibly helpful in developing a strong partnership brand, creating an enjoyable work environment, becoming more proactive in responding to change, and delivering measurable results to prove HR’s worth to the company.
9. Remote Not Distant: Design a Company Culture That Will Help You Thrive in a Hybrid Workplace
Gustavo Razzetti
Remote work made two major comebacks in the year 2023 alone. So going into 2024, this absolute gem of a book on how your organization can actually thrive in a hybrid workplace is a must-read. What we have here with this book is a guide for businesses to navigate the shift toward remote work and hybrid workplace models.
Razzetti emphasizes that remote work is no longer an exception but is becoming the norm and encourages companies to embrace this shift thoughtfully and deliberately, noting that when done right, remote work can enhance employee satisfaction and productivity.
“Remote Not Distant” is a valuable resource for business leaders and managers looking to navigate the challenges and opportunities of remote and hybrid work environments. Razzetti’s insights are particularly pertinent for organizations aiming to maintain a strong company culture and effective communication in an increasingly digital workplace.
10. Diversity in the Workplace: Eye-Opening Interviews to Jumpstart Conversations about Identity, Privilege, and Bias
Bärí A. Williams
In this insightful entry to our top HR books list, Bärí A. Williams takes a critical and much-needed dive into the multifaceted world of workplace diversity. Through a series of compelling interviews, Williams sheds light on the real-life experiences of minorities in the labor force, painting a vivid picture of the challenges and triumphs faced by individuals across different spectrums of identity.
What sets this book apart is its practical approach. Each section concludes with key takeaways, transforming the narrative from mere storytelling to a tool for change. These summaries encourage reflection, making the book not just a read but a journey towards understanding and empathy. Williams’ work is a beacon for those striving to create inclusive workplaces. It’s a guide for managers, HR professionals, and employees alike, offering perspectives that are often overlooked but crucial for building a truly diverse and equitable work environment.
