Navigating hybrid work can be a minefield for both leaders and employees who are new to the concept, it is crucial to stay ahead of the curve by developing the right leadership skills.
We’ve curated this collection of books on remote work and hybrid teams designed to help organisations thrive in hybrid work settings. These are the best books that will not only help you stay on top of the latest work trends but also give you the knowledge and tools to become a better leader or employee.
Top Books On Hybrid Work
Remote Not Distant: Design a Company Culture That Will Help You Thrive in a Hybrid Workplace
by Gustavo Razzetti
Razetti has spent years studying pioneering organisations such as Slack, GitHub and Microsoft to create this roadmap not just in how to succeed in the hybrid world, but also the secrets to understanding how hybrid work operates in a successful setting.
Lessons impart wisdom on all areas of a successful hybrid organisation from culture to communication as well as how to resolve conflict. The book provides actionable tools for all levels of a company from senior leaders to team members.
Redesigning Work: How to Transform Your Organisation and Make Hybrid Work for Everyone
by Lynda Gratton
Professor Lynda Gratton of London Business School brings opportunity and hopes to those who have been feeling intimidated by the huge shift in the workplace over the past few years. Explaining how we have been given an opportunity to change things and reimagine the way we work for the better.
With a glowing review from the Financial Times, this book can’t be missed.
Kevin Ellis writes ‘Redesigning Work is very much a how-to guide, with practical frameworks and examples. The rigour and discipline Gratton brings to the book might surprise those who haven’t been involved in organisational change. The message is clear: don’t leave the future of work to chance.’
Just Work: Get Sh*t Done, Fast & Fair
by Kim Scott
Just Work is an important read for any professional, as the book explores some difficult topics including unconscious biases and discrimination. A key proponent of hybrid work is its emphasis on embracing employees' individuality, Just Work capitalises on this by showing how we can all work more effectively using our individual differences and abilities to our advantage.
Aiming for a fairer workplace that focuses on respect and equality, moving away from toxic workplaces that thrived on domination and conformity to the detriment of many.
Reimagining Collaboration: Slack, Microsoft Teams, Zoom and the Post-COVID Future of Work
by Phil Simon
There has been an explosion in SaaS tools in response to the sharp shift and for good reason, harnessing the power of technology is a vital ingredient to the success of any hybrid organisation.
Award-winning author, Phil Simon, has written this guide on how to get the most out of the myriad of collaboration tools and scheduling platforms available for hybrid work teams.
This book is a perfect assistant to any leader struggling to know where to invest when it comes to the right applications and software.
The Successful Hybrid Team: What the Best Hybrid Teams Know About Culture that Others Don't (But Wish They Did)
by Perrine Farque
Considered an in-depth dive into many common pitfalls and issues of hybrid work including meetings, collaboration and culture, Perrine Farque has written an extremely useful handbook for any discerning executive. Exploring how hybrid work is permanently changing how teams work, we all need to relearn how we approach collaboration and this book helps with exactly that.
“Perrine tackles every aspect of the management of hybrid teams from productivity and performance to inclusion and engagement. The book includes practical examples highlighting what is changing and how those organisations looking into the future are getting ahead of the game delivering better results and attracting the best talent.”
The Culture Code
by Daniel Coyle
Daniel Coyle's "The Culture Code" is a fascinating book exploring how culture is at the centre of a successful business. Coyle shares his ideas into the secrets of creating a modern and innovative culture, covering everything from communication to leadership.
His book is a valuable resource for leaders wanting to create a high-performing team in the hybrid world without experiencing a loss of culture.
Hybrid Workplace: The Insights You Need from Harvard Business Review (HBR Insights Series)
by Harvard Business Review
A handy book to have if you’re interested in the research being done into remote and hybrid work. The book collates many interesting articles, case studies and thought pieces on the hybrid workplace from esteemed business thought leaders, Harvard Business Review.
Prepare yourself and your company for the future with these interesting insights into hybrid work and how the landscape will change over the coming years.
Top Books On Remote Work
Remote: Office Not Required
by Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson
Although it was released ten years ago, Remote: Office Not Required is still an essential read for anyone looking to improve their remote work practices.
Fried and Heinemeier Hansson’s book offers practical insights and advice for companies of all sizes, with useful and actionable tips on how to build a successful remote team that maintains a high level of productivity.
The Year Without Pants: WordPress.com and the Future of Work
by Scott Berkun
Another slightly older book, The Year Without Pants was originally published in 2013, so could be considered an early opinion on remote work. Telling the story of being hired by Wordpress.com, Scott Berkun shares his experience of embracing remote work and the changes in the lifestyle it brings.
“With humour and heart, Scott has written a letter from the future about a new kind of workplace that wasn’t possible before the internet. His insights will make you laugh, think, and ask all the right questions about your own company’s culture.”
—Gina Trapani, founding editor, Lifehacker
Virtual Culture: The Way We Work Doesn't Work Anymore, a Manifesto
by Bryan Miles and Shannon Miles
"Virtual Culture" is a fantastic book offering practical advice on how to build a strong company culture within a remote work environment. Offering useful insights on how to foster communication, collaboration, and teamwork among remote workers, it's a great read for anyone looking to enhance their team-building efforts.
Distributed Teams: The Art and Practice of Working Together While Physically Apart
by John O'Duinn
Considered a guru in the remote working space, John O’Duinn’s ‘Distributed Teams’ is a comprehensive guide to building successful remote teams.
Drawing from his wealth of experience leading 4-person startups to large multinationals, the book covers everything from building a strong team culture to managing communication and productivity, making it an essential read for anyone interested in team building in a remote work environment.
Remote Work Revolution by Tsedal Neeley
A valuable resource for any leader struggling to manage remote teams. Thanks to the actionable tips throughout the book, new remote managers will find enormous value in Remote Work Revolution, from how to successfully hire remote workers to navigating complex communication issues.
The Future of Work by Jacob Morgan
Perfect for leaders who want to remain innovative and at the forefront of their industry. The Future of Work is a thought-provoking read exploring the changing landscape of work, tackling topics such as changing technology, the change to remote work as well as the rising expectations of employees and what they want from a job.
The Long-Distance Leader: Rules for Remarkable Remote Leadership
by Kevin Eikenberry and Wayne Turmel
Organisations, regardless of whether they are in-person, remote or hybrid, are only as effective as their leader. Eikenberry and Turmel are co-founders of the Remote Leadership Institute, and in this book, they share their learnings specifically to help leaders motivate their teams and hold employees accountable.
The Long Distance Leader is a book offering expert knowledge to upgrade your leadership for an increasingly remote world.
