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The demand on HR professionals to be across contemporary thinking and philosophies re leadership, culture, performance and engagement (the list goes on…) has never been greater. Reading HR books, blogs and literature is a great way to help build your knowledge, learn from industry leaders and look at things from different perspectives. We asked our team to share their must-read HR books, along with others that have been recommended to them by candidates and clients.

Give and Take

Adam Grant

For a long time, organisations have focused on the individual drivers of success, things like passion, hard work and talent. However, today success is dependent on something else: how we interact with other people. Give and Take takes a look into why sometimes it’s our interactions with others that is the key to our success.

The Happiness Advantage

Shawn Achor 

Conventional theory tells us that if we work hard, success will follow, and only then will we be happy. In the field of positive psychology, it has been discovered that in fact, happiness fuels success – not the other way around! If you’re hoping to shine in a world of increasing workloads and stress, then this could be the book for you. 

What Got you Here Won’t Get You There

Marshall Goldsmith

Marshall Goldsmith helps leaders all over the world overcome annoying habits and move forward. Whether you’re at the top of your game or are still looking at ways to climb the career ladder, this guide can help you get to where you want to go.

Nudge: Improving Decisions about Health, Wealth, and Happiness

Richard Thaler and Cass Sunstein

Every day, we make decisions. Some are big decisions, others small; however, we are prone to biases which lead to bad choices. Most choices aren’t presented in a neutral way, so knowing how people think can make the whole process easier. Using a whole raft of examples, this is a great book to nudge you in the right direction.

Build It: The Rebel Playbook for World Class Employee Engagement

Glenn Elliott & Debra Corey

Globally, job engagement is falling and in this fast-paced world, organisations need to be doing more. Learn the secrets of the world’s best companies and discover The Engagement Bridge Model, highlighting the key areas to examine in order to build a highly engaged workforce.

Fierce Conversations: Achieving Success at Work and in Life, One Conversation at a Time

Susan Scott

This bestselling guide from Susan Scott is all about driving positive change through communication. In this book, she teaches you how to overcome barriers to communication and transform your conversations at work (and at home) through ‘The Seven Principles of Fierce Conversations’.

When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing

Daniel H. Pink

Throughout our lives, we are presented with countless decisions around timing. When should we start this business? When should we start this project? Packed full of research, Daniel Pink unlocks some of the secrets to timing and help you flourish in all areas of life.

Braving the Wilderness: The Quest for True Belonging and the Courage to Stand Alone

Brene Brown

Challenging everything you think about true belonging (in communities, organisations and culture), this bestseller sparked global conversation about the different things that bring meaning to our lives. With a mix of research, storytelling and honesty, it introduces four practices of true belonging to help you map out a clear path.

HR on Purpose: Developing Deliberate People Passion

Steve Browne

Through various examples, insights and epiphanies, HR leader Steve Browne takes a fresh look at HR. Encouraging people to lose any preconceptions of what HR ‘should be’, this book can help you rekindle your passion for HR and make a positive impact on the people you encounter.

Radical Candor: Be a Kick-Ass Boss Without Losing your Humanity

Kim Scott

Former Google and Apple Executive, Kim Scott has earned growing fame with her approach to effective management. Looking at her unique framework of what it takes to be a good boss, it can help you to build better relationships and fulfil your leadership responsibilities.

Closing Thoughts

If you don’t have the time to digest a whole book of HR knowledge, there are other ways to fit learning into your day-to-day life, including listening to HR-specific podcasts or following HR influencers on social media. We’d love to hear about your HR must-reads, so send us your recommendations!