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Summer Reads for the Tech-Savvy HR Professional

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Michelle Hawley avatar
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Whether you’re an avid tech nerd or struggling with the emergence of new tools, there’s an HR book for you.

If you’re looking for a beach read, why not dive into the ever-evolving world of human resources and technology? 

The ongoing shift toward digitalization has forced HR professionals to become increasingly reliant on technological solutions to manage employee experience, talent acquisition, workforce planning and more. 

This curated list, as recommended by practicing HR professionals, includes a number of insightful books that delve into the complex interplay between HR and technology. 

1. “The Future Workplace Experience: 10 Rules for Mastering Disruption in Recruiting and Engaging Employees

by Jeanne C. Meister and Kevin Mulcahy 

“As HR professionals navigate the ever-changing landscape of technology and work, this book serves as a guide to understand and adapt to the future of the workplace,” said Michael Nicholson, human resources manager at Next Step Inbound. 

The book, according to Nicholson, explores emerging trends like today’s hot topic, artificial intelligence — and provides actionable strategies for attracting, engaging and retaining top talent.

2. “The Ethical Algorithm: The Science of Socially Aware Algorithm Design

by Michael Kearns and Aaron Roth

“Kearns and Roth give an accessible intro to ethics in computer science while also going into the weeds on concepts around privacy, fairness and the trade-offs involved in this nuanced discussion,” said Dr. Lindsey Zuloaga, chief data scientist at HireVue. 

“Like ethics in general,” she added, “there is not one answer to algorithmic ethics, rather it requires ongoing care and questioning.” 

3. “Artificial Intelligence for HR: Use AI to Support and Develop a Successful Workforce

by Ben Eubanks

“In today's digital age, AI is transforming various aspects of human resources, from talent acquisition and onboarding to employee engagement and learning and development,” said Jarir Mallah, human resources specialist at Ling. 

This book, he said, covers a multitude of topics, “such as AI-powered recruitment tools, chatbots for employee support, predictive analytics for talent management and ethical considerations in AI adoption.” 

4. “The Power of People: Learn How Successful Organizations Use Workforce Analytics To Improve Business Performance

by Nigel Guenole, Jonathan Ferrar and Sheri Feinzig

“Workforce analytics is a crucial aspect of HR technology, and this book offers practical insights into leveraging data to drive business performance,” said Nicholson. 

“It covers topics such as talent acquisition, performance management and employee engagement, providing HR professionals with the knowledge to make informed decisions backed by data.”

5. “Life 3.0: Being Human in the Age of Artificial Intelligence

by Max Tegmark

“Max Tegmark explores the future of life in the universe, showing possibilities and strategies for survival many people have never pondered,” said Dr. Zuloaga. 

Many future scenarios may seem far off, she said. “But given the pace of advancement in AI, we need to ask these difficult questions as we develop technology before it is too late.” 

6. “The Practical Guide to HR Analytics: Using Data to Inform, Transform, and Empower HR Decisions

by Shonna D. Waters, PhD, Valerie Streets, Lindsay McFarlane and Rachael Johnson-Murray

“The Practical Guide to HR Analytics provides practical guidance on collecting, analyzing and interpreting HR data to gain valuable insights into areas such as employee engagement, workforce planning, performance management and talent retention,” said Mallah. 

It covers analytical techniques, tools and best practices, he added, “allowing HR professionals to effectively use data to identify trends, solve problems and make evidence-based decisions.”

7. “The Essential HR Handbook: A Quick and Handy Resource for Any Manager or HR Professional

by Sharon Armstrong and Barbara Mitchell

Recommended by Nicholson: “While not solely focused on technology, this book serves as a comprehensive reference guide for HR professionals,” he said.

“It covers various HR topics, including technology implementation, employee relations, performance management and legal considerations. It's a valuable resource for both experienced HR practitioners and those new to the field.”

Find the HR Tech Book for You 

Understanding and leveraging HR technology is no longer optional — it's a necessity. The books on this list offer deep insights into the transformative role technology plays in HR, shedding light on best practices, emerging trends and effective strategies to help you stay at the forefront of HR tech advancements. 

Learning Opportunities

Happy reading!

About the Author
Michelle Hawley

Michelle Hawley is an experienced journalist who specializes in reporting on the impact of technology on society. As editorial director at Simpler Media Group, she oversees the day-to-day operations of VKTR, covering the world of enterprise AI and managing a network of contributing writers. She's also the host of CMSWire's CMO Circle and co-host of CMSWire's CX Decoded. With an MFA in creative writing and background in both news and marketing, she offers unique insights on the topics of tech disruption, corporate responsibility, changing AI legislation and more. She currently resides in Pennsylvania with her husband and two dogs. Connect with Michelle Hawley:

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