Essential reading: 14 books on workplace wellness, culture and employee relations

Staying on top of trends in wellness, culture, and employee relations isn’t just a feather in a leader’s cap – it’s the bedrock of fostering resilient, engaged, and productive teams.

Workplace wellness is no longer a box-ticking exercise. Its ripple effects cascade across an organisation, influencing everything from employee retention to mental well-being and job satisfaction. When companies put wellness on the front burner and nurture a positive culture, they’re not just lighting the way for innovation – they’re building loyal teams that are happier, healthier, and more dynamic.

In today’s world of remote and hybrid work, wellness needs have transformed. The battle against burnout, the quiet storm of mental health challenges, and the hunger for authentic connection demand more than yesterday’s approaches. Leaders must sharpen their tools to address these shifts head-on, crafting strategies that resonate with modern teams.

A positive work culture, rooted in trust, accountability, and psychological safety, is no longer a “nice-to-have” – it’s the cornerstone of success. Organisations that get this right don’t just boost morale; they fortify themselves with resilience, adaptability, and grit to weather any storm.

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Meanwhile, employee relations remain the glue holding this puzzle together. Open communication and mutual respect between leadership and staff are key to creating an atmosphere where ideas flow, issues are tackled, and talent thrives. Leaders who invest in these relationships aren’t just keeping the peace – they’re building workplaces people don’t want to leave.

The following 14 books serve as compasses for navigating this terrain. Whether you’re designing wellness programmes, building an inclusive culture, or honing employee relations, these resources are packed with data-driven insights and actionable advice. They’re like having a mentor on every page.

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14 must-read books on workplace wellness, positive culture and employee relations

Built for People by Jessica Zwaan treats employees as the "customers" of the workplace, delivering people-first strategies backed by data that transform engagement from the ground up.

The Art of Caring Leadership by Heather R. Younger. A masterclass in leading with heart, this book showcases how empathy and active listening can turn a workplace into a sanctuary of motivation and support.

Wellbeing at Work by Jim Clifton and Jim Harter breaks down workplace wellness into five essential pillars, unveiling a Gallup metric that helps leaders measure and enhance their team’s well-being.

Workplace Wellness That Works by Laura Putnam offers a ten-step roadmap to creating wellness strategies rooted in an organisation’s existing strengths, proving there’s no need to reinvent the wheel.

Mental Health and Wellbeing in the Workplace by Gill Hasson and Donna Butler is a practical guide to fostering resilience, reducing stress, and creating workplaces where mental health thrives – not just survives.

Remote Not Distant by Gustavo Razzetti tackles the challenges of hybrid work head-on with a five-step framework for fostering connection, collaboration, and culture in virtual spaces.

The 4 Stages of Psychological Safety by Timothy R. Clark maps out the journey to creating workplaces where employees feel safe to innovate, contribute, and thrive without fear.

Work Better Together by Jen Fisher and Ahn Phillips demonstrates the power of relationships at work, showing how connection isn’t just good for morale – it’s the secret sauce for organisational success.

The Employee Wellbeing Handbook by Cassie Sobelton highlights the importance of cross-departmental collaboration to build a workplace where wellbeing is woven into the very fabric of operations.

Irresistible by Josh Bersin lays bare the secrets of enduring, employee-focused organisations, showcasing how purpose and leadership create workplaces that employees simply can’t resist.

The Culture Question by Randy Grieser, Eric Stutzman, Wendy Loewen, and Michael Labun provides a playbook for building cultures of trust, accountability, and engagement, turning workplaces into thriving ecosystems.

Beating Burnout at Work by Paula Davis offers managers a toolkit to shield their teams from burnout, keeping everyone balanced, energised, and focused.

Employee Experience by Design by Emma Bridger and Belinda Gannaway guides leaders in crafting an employee experience that’s as engaging as it is impactful, with a focus on recruitment and retention.

The 4 Stages of Psychological Safety by Timothy R. Clark provides a second helping of Clark’s wisdom on creating secure, collaborative workplaces where innovation knows no bounds.

Whether you’re revamping wellness initiatives or laying the foundation for a stellar workplace culture, these books offer pearls of wisdom for every leader’s library. Happy reading!