As business models evolve and employee expectations shift, HR leaders are no longer just people managers — they’re culture architects, strategic advisors, and drivers of organisational growth.

At Reeracoen, we partner with hundreds of clients and professionals across Singapore, Vietnam, and APAC. One trend we consistently see? The best HR leaders are lifelong learners.

Whether you're managing change, driving engagement, or hiring your next generation of talent, the following 10 impactful HR books will equip you with the ideas and tools you need in 2025 — and beyond.

1. Workquake by Steve Cadigan

• Best for: HR leaders rethinking loyalty, retention, and career paths in a fluid job market.
• A timely take on how to thrive in a world where work is no longer linear, and employee-employer relationships are being redefined.

2. The Future of Work: 20 People-Centric Practices for 2025 and Beyond by Lynda Gratton

• Best for: Strategic HR teams designing hybrid workforces and inclusive cultures.
• Lynda Gratton outlines practical frameworks for rehumanising the workplace — with empathy, flexibility, and trust.

3. People Analytics by Ben Waber

• Best for: HR teams tapping into data to enhance performance and collaboration.
• This book bridges the gap between people and metrics, showing how to use analytics without compromising empathy.

4. Radical Candor by Kim Scott

• Best for: Managers building coaching cultures and improving team performance.
• A favourite among modern leaders, this book empowers managers to give direct, caring feedback that leads to better relationships and results.

5. The Culture Code by Daniel Coyle

• Best for: HR professionals working on engagement, team synergy, and L&D strategy.
• Explore what makes some teams more innovative and united — from start-ups to large organisations — with real-life case studies.

6. Belonging at Work by Rhodes Perry

• Best for: Inclusion, belonging, and psychological safety champions.
• This book highlights how HR can make every employee feel seen and valued — through inclusive policies, language, and leadership.

7. Drive by Daniel H. Pink

• Best for: L&D and talent development teams.
• Understand what truly motivates employees — beyond traditional rewards — and how to design work cultures that empower growth.

8. No Rules Rules by Reed Hastings & Erin Meyer

• Best for: Founders, CHROs, and leaders ready to challenge traditional HR playbooks.
• Based on Netflix’s famously unique culture, this book challenges leaders to embrace trust, autonomy, and accountability.

9. The Making of a Manager by Julie Zhuo

• Best for: First-time people managers or HR teams supporting new leaders.
• Written in a conversational, relatable style by a former Facebook VP, it’s full of actionable insights on managing teams with heart and skill.

10. ReCulturing by Melissa Daimler

• Best for: HR professionals aligning values, operations, and behaviour.
• A practical guide to embedding culture in everyday practices — from meetings to promotions — making values more than words on a wall.

Why These Books Matter in 2025

As workforces grow more digital, distributed, and diverse, the HR function plays a crucial role in:

• Designing agile, inclusive people strategies
• Fostering purpose-driven, resilient teams
• Leading with empathy, not just efficiency
• Championing employee experience from recruitment to retention

These books are not just for reading — they’re for rethinking, refining, and leading with impact.

 Looking to build a future-ready HR team in 2025?

Reeracoen is here to connect you with people who are not only skilled — but inspired to grow, lead, and transform your organisation.

 

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References & Reading Links

1. Workquake – Steve Cadigan

2. The Future of Work – Lynda Gratton

3. People Analytics – Ben Waber

4. Radical Candor – Kim Scott

5. The Culture Code – Daniel Coyle

6. Belonging at Work – Rhodes Perry

7. Drive – Daniel H. Pink

8. No Rules Rules – Reed Hastings & Erin Meyer

9. The Making of a Manager – Julie Zhuo

10. ReCulturing – Melissa Daimler