Your summer HR reading list for 2021

We've put together a list of the best HR books to help fill you with inspiration and to keep you learning as we adjust to a new world of work.

Welcome back to the second part of our mini HR recommendations series. In case you missed part one, don’t miss our list of HR podcast suggestions. For those who like a more old-fashioned hardcover (or want to find some new titles for your Kindle!), we wanted to provide you with top HR reads to fill your summer with inspiration.

Whether you’re curled up on the couch or lounging on the beach, we’ve pulled together our top suggestions that cover a range of topics to give you new ideas for your workplace. Here are our top seven HR book recommendations for this summer:

Quiet Leadership"Quiet Leadership: Six Steps to Transforming Performance at Work" by David Rockquiet-leadership

As a coach, speaker and consultant to global companies, David Rock provides a unique perspective on how to improve leadership to increase productivity. In this six-step guide to great leadership, readers will uncover how to create lasting change in the workplace through a brain-based approach supported by extensive research.

Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race"Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race" by Reni Eddo-Lodge

In this New York Times Bestseller, award-winning author Reni Eddo-Lodge reveals her frustrations with the ways in which race and racism have historically been taught and treated. In this groundbreaking response, Eddo-Lodge transforms the conversation and provides a new framework for seeing, acknowledging and fighting against racism today.

How Women Rise"How Women Rise: Break the 12 Habits Holding You Back" by Sally Helgesen Marshall Goldsmith

Both well-versed in leadership, Sally Helgesen and Marshall Goldsmith have seen firsthand the different challenges women face in the workplace, and have developed a formula to counter these. In this book, Helgesen and Goldsmith reveal the 12 biggest issues that hold women back, and provide remedies to help women advance and achieve more. 

Dare to Lead"Dare to Lead" by Brené Brown

In this #1 New York Times Bestseller, Brené Brown uses new research from innovative leaders to show how we can create stronger, braver and more culture-focused leaders. This actionable playbook aims to empower leaders to have tough conversations and make company cultures more courageous.

Inclusive Growth"Inclusive Growth" by Toby Mildon

Topping our Group HR Director Robert Hicks’s list is "Inclusive Growth," which demonstrates how a diverse workforce is the key to creating a resilient organization. This practical framework provides readers with the tools to make diversity and inclusion initiatives more than just words and instead drive real change in the workplace.

Remote Work Revolution"Remote Work Revolution" by Tsedal Neeley

An important and timely work, this book comes in the wake of COVID-19 as many companies are shifting to remote or hybrid working environments. On resident Content Journalist Joy Adan’s reading list is Remote Work Revolution, which provides a framework for companies to succeed as their employees work remotely and addresses top concerns and issues leaders have, such as trust, communication, connection and motivation.

Bringing Your Values Out to Play"Bringing Your Values Out to Play" by Debra Corey

Many organizations have values, but they often aren’t being used to their full potential. In this book, HR thought leader and Reward Gateway advisor Debra Corey teaches leaders how to embed their company values into everything they do, so that employees will feel more connected to the company’s purpose and mission.


Happy reading! We hope this mini series has helped fuel some of your own yearly learning. If you’re looking for more inspiration to build a stronger, more resilient organization, make sure to subscribe to our blog where you’ll find plenty of tips on future-proofing your business.

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