Ten Great HR Reads for the Holidays & Beyond

When the balance of power is squarely in job-seekers’ hands how can organizations attract and retain the most talented candidates and best additions to their culture? The answer may surprise you. Employer brand thought leaders Bryan Adams and Charlotte Marshall redefine the concept of an employee value proposition entirely. Instead of a sales pitch aimed at seducing candidates with sizzle, their approach harnesses the value found in an organization’s cultural expectations and realities. Pooling their experiences and insights Adams and Marshall pull back the curtain on how to answer the burning questions on candidates’ minds. They address how to create a “smart filter” that brings top talent to the surface and into the fold, how to elevate your organization’s strengths, and how to pair these attributes with what it truly takes for employees to thrive. The ultimate goal is to inspire your company leaders to commit to a methodology with the power to positively impact the entire organization.

 

As a thought leader in the field of diversity and inclusion, Mary-Frances Winters has been helping organizations create inclusive environments for over three decades. In this concise and powerful book she shows how to have bold, inclusive conversations. We Can’t Talk About That at Work! invites HR practitioners to reconsider how to deal with difficult conversations. From matters of diversity and inclusion, sexual harassment, politics, and mental health, HR professionals have had to conduct some thorny conversations with employees across several sensitive areas. Winter’s work sheds light on understanding the nuts and bolts of effective communication, and how the right culture in any organization is a vital agent of change.

Studies indicate that one in four people will experience a mental health issue at some point in their lives. Although a number of recent developments and initiatives have raised the profile of this crucial issue, employers continue to face challenges promoting the mental health and well-being of employees. Authors Gill Hasson and Donna Butler provide expert guidance for both employers and staff on dismantling stigma and supporting those experiencing mental ill-health. The co-authors examine changing workplace environments, shifting employer and employee attitudes, and offer solutions to counter current and future challenges. Detailed, real-world case studies illustrate a variety of concerns from both employer and employee perspectives. Mental Health & Wellbeing in the Workplace is a valuable resource for those in the workplace wanting to look after their physical and mental wellbeing, and those looking for guidance in managing staff with mental health issues.

This might not be a predictable pick if you’re looking for books on workplace well-being. But Shredded certainly spells out why you should work to build a work culture that’s inclusive of well-being, and makes a strong business case for tackling individuals who exploit their positions. A bullying culture of fear inside the Royal Bank of Scotland was part of the reason it failed. Ian Fraser tells the story of RBS brilliantly. It’s a gripping read that demonstrates the importance of well-being, diversity and inclusion, and underscores how we must encourage and listen to the voice of employees.