Best Human Resource Books to Prepare You for 2020

Last Updated: December 16, 2021

Among habits that never go out of style, reading is right up on the list. It is a great way to learn new skills, brush up on your understanding of a subject, and pick up the brightest new ideas out there. In this list of best human resources books, we discuss seven titles that combine pragmatic expertise with outside-the-box innovation.

The more things change, the more they remain the same. In this hyperactive world of continuous data bombardment, tranquil pursuits like reading continue to remain relevant. By finding time to step back from the world and pour yourself into a meaningful piece of writing, you can imbibe an incredible plethora of ideas, beliefs, histories, philosophies, and innovations. This is why reading is still a highly recommended activity for working professionals.

So, as an HR professional looking to refresh your library this holiday season, what are those essential titles that belong on your reading list? Here’s our selection.

Learn More: 5 Unmissable HR Books to Read on Book Lovers Day – With Inputs from Voxy, CorpU & SilkRoad TechnologyOpens a new window

The 7 Best Human Resource Books that Demand Your Attention

It’s always difficult to come up with a list of the best HR books.Opens a new window We looked at contemporary relevance, subject matter criticality, tech impact, and long-term business goal intersection when we created this list of best human resources books (in no particular order).

1. Humanity Works: Merging Technologies and People for the Workforce of the FutureOpens a new window

by Alexandra Levit

Alexandra Levit’s best-selling “Humanity Works” considers our dynamic age when technology is transforming how we work. Levit discusses the true picture of artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and automationOpens a new window -driven workplace.

She also looks at how mankind’s most important behavioral traits – empathy, creativity, sensitivity, morality, and judgment – will be “the glue” to hold these many forces together. Packed with inspiring case studies, Humanity Works inspires you to rethink how the H in HR could really make a difference.

Humanity Works: Merging Technologies and People for the Workforce of the Future

Image source: Amazon.com

2. Technology Made Simple for the Technical RecruiterOpens a new window

by Obi Ogbanufe

As recruiters traverse the complex and burgeoning tech landscape, the various tools/technologies they have at their disposal can sometimes feel a little daunting. This holds particularly true for technical recruiters who must have a clear understanding of the multiple hiring parameters, literally at their fingertips.

Obi Ogbanufe’s book is the technical skills primer that every technical recruiter needs by their side. From big data vocabulary, network lingo, and tech acronyms to sample questions, this is a ready reckoner that covers this dense terrain with deceptive simplicity and precision.

It is a highly recommended HR book for young technical recruiters Opens a new window eager to learn well and fast.

Technology Made Simple for the Technical Recruiter

Image source: iUniverse.com

3. It’s the ManagerOpens a new window

by Jim Clifton and Jim Harter 

There’s no denying the importance of a great manager – building teams, enabling collaboration, adhering to long-term goals, and understanding unique employee needs. Clifton is Gallup’s chairman and CEO, and Harter is chief scientist of workplace management and well-being for Gallup.

Together, they have culled 52 key findings from Gallup’s study on the future of workOpens a new window , redirecting these ideas towards the future of modern management.

With case studies on how managers succeed (or fail), discussion on Gallup Access (its new workplace platform), and a panoramic analysis of today’s multifaceted work environment, this one is a must-have for HR leaders looking to understand strengths and manage weaknesses of their employees.

3. It's the Manager

Image source: Gallup.com

4. We Can’t Talk about That at Work!Opens a new window

by Mary-Frances Winters

The HR professional must now be able to deal with several thorny conversations. Diversity & inclusionOpens a new window , sexual harassment, politics, and mental health – HR teams have to handhold employees across several sensitive areas.

But how do you talk about these issues without sounding vague, superficial, or possibly, invasive? Can a book teach you how to articulate these difficult conversations that are now happening every day in workplaces across the globe?

Winters’ new work is a guiding light of sorts, helping you to understand the nuts and bolts of effective communication, and how the right culture in any organization is that vital change agent. In her words, “come from your heart, learn from your mistakes, and continue to contribute to making this a more inclusive world for all.”

We Can't Talk about That at Work!

Image source: Amazon.in

5. Financial Analysis for HR Managers: Tools for Linking HR Strategy to Business StrategyOpens a new window

by Steven Director

A big part of being a successful HR professional lies in your ability to manage the financial aspects of your job. This includes assessing the fiscal impact of HR in long-term business objectives, preparing the most meaningful total rewards packages Opens a new window for employees, and ensuring that HR plays a key role in larger enterprise profitability.

Director’s book is an exhaustive how-to guide, covering almost every aspect of the financial element in HR today.

Full of illustrative examples, a breakdown of financial numbers into easy-to-understand elements, and a step-by-step primer towards designing a successful HR and financial roadmap – this is a great read for those looking to gain an absolute buy-in from CFOs.

Financial Analysis for HR Managers: Tools for Linking HR Strategy to Business Strategy

Image source: Amazon.in

 6. Rituals for Work: 50 Ways to Create Engagement, Shared Purpose, and a Culture That Can Adapt to ChangeOpens a new window

by Kursat Ozenc and Margaret Hagan

HR teams are always looking to improve employee engagement and foster a sense of purpose and meaning. Ozenc’s Rituals for Work almost steps back in time, reimagining our civilizational history of rituals to offer 50 innovative workplace rituals, geared to boost engagement.

These could significantly impact employee behavior and productivity, engender a more refined value system, and address workplace conflicts more intelligently.

At a time when HR teams are renewing their focus on employee engagement and experienceOpens a new window , books like these are genuinely helpful because of three clear reasons:

  • A variety of case studies demarcating best practices, crises, and errors in judgment
  • A visually rich and creative breakdown of HR essentials to help you design a plan for engagement
  • A fresh take on core HR concepts, invigorating your daily activities

Rituals for Work: 50 Ways to Create Engagement, Shared Purpose, and a Culture That Can Adapt to Change

Image source: Amazon.com

7. Hello Gen Z: Engaging the Generation of Post-MillennialsOpens a new window

by Claire Madden

Claire Madden is recognized as one of Australia’s leading social research scientists, and Hello Gen Z deep-dives into the minds, motivations, and ambitions driving the Gen Z workerOpens a new window . As often discussed, Gen Zers are a whole new breed – even more evolved and more hungry and restless for change than their millennial counterparts.

Hello Gen Z is a telling wide-angled view of the world of the Gen Zer: an exciting, hyper-connected, and agile space powered by technology, innovation, and a relentless desire for growth.

If you’re looking to figure out the Gen Z mindset and you want to create a workplace environment conducive to this emerging employee segment, Hello Gen Z offers a discursive and enlightening 360-degree look into their lives and aspirations.

Hello Gen Z: Engaging the Generation of Post-Millennials

Image source: Clairemadden.com

Learn More: 5 Must-have HR Competencies for the 21st CenturyOpens a new window

Closing Thoughts: 3 Evergreen Titles that Refuse to Age

The seven books listed here are among the most popularly recommended HR and behavioral management titles. However, there are also other interesting books – eternal favorites that deserve mention:

 

While these books may not directly relate to the HR function, they are a great study of the human experience, the art of organization, and the world as it is today. Together, these ten books should give you a lot to think about as you prepare your HR game plan for 2020.

What is, in your opinion, the best human resources book you have ever read? Tell us on FacebookOpens a new window LinkedInOpens a new window , or TwitterOpens a new window . We’d love to hear your views!

Chiradeep BasuMallick
Chiradeep is a content marketing professional, a startup incubator, and a tech journalism specialist. He has over 11 years of experience in mainline advertising, marketing communications, corporate communications, and content marketing. He has worked with a number of global majors and Indian MNCs, and currently manages his content marketing startup based out of Kolkata, India. He writes extensively on areas such as IT, BFSI, healthcare, manufacturing, hospitality, and financial analysis & stock markets. He studied literature, has a degree in public relations and is an independent contributor for several leading publications.
Take me to Community
Do you still have questions? Head over to the Spiceworks Community to find answers.