Best Human Resources Books of 2025

* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.
Human Resources books are a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their understanding of HR practices and principles. These books cover a wide range of topics, including recruitment, employee engagement, performance management, and more. They provide readers with practical advice, case studies, and best practices for managing people effectively. Whether you're a seasoned HR professional or just starting out in the field, there are numerous books available to help you develop your skills and knowledge. From classic texts to modern bestsellers, Human Resources books offer a wealth of information and insights to help you succeed in your career.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 Human Resources Books
The Manager's Path: A Guide for Tech Leaders Navigating Growth and Change
The Manager's Path: A Guide for Tech Leaders Navigating Growth and Change by Camille Fournier is a practical guide that takes readers through the journey from engineer to technical manager. The book provides actionable advice for approaching various obstacles in the path of becoming a better manager and leader in an organization. It covers topics such as mentoring, managing individual members, managing multiple teams, and building a unifying culture. This book is ideal for new managers, mentors, or experienced leaders seeking fresh advice. Overall, The Manager's Path is a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their leadership skills in the tech industry.
SHRM CP Exam Prep 2023-2024 - 2 Full-Length Practice Tests, SHRM CP Certification Secrets Study Guide with Detailed Answer Explanations: [3rd Edition]
The SHRM CP Exam Prep 2023-2024 - 2 Full-Length Practice Tests, SHRM CP Certification Secrets Study Guide with Detailed Answer Explanations is an excellent guide for anyone looking to pass their Society for Human Resource Management Certified Professional Exam. It includes practice test questions with detailed answer explanations, tips and strategies, a complete review of all SHRM test sections, and end-of-chapter quizzes. The guide is organized in a logical and accessible fashion, making it easy to understand complex concepts. The Mometrix test prep team has provided plenty of SHRM practice test questions to prepare you for the actual exam. Overall, this book is a must-have for anyone seeking SHRM certification.
SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP Certification All-in-One Exam Guide
The SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP Certification All-in-One Exam Guide is a comprehensive study guide for the Society for Human Resource Management certification exams. It covers every topic included in the exams with learning objectives, hands-on exercises, exam tips, and practice questions. The book is written by a team of HR experts and includes digital content with two complete practice exams and a customizable knowledge-based quiz. This book is an excellent resource for those looking to pass the SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP exams and also serves as an essential on-the-job reference.
SHRM CP Exam Prep 2022-2023: SHRM Certification Study Guide Book with 3 Practice Tests [3rd Edition]
The SHRM CP Exam Prep 2022-2023: SHRM Certification Study Guide Book with 3 Practice Tests [3rd Edition] is a comprehensive study guide designed to help test takers achieve a great score on the SHRM CP exam. It includes test-taking strategies, a breakdown of the test content, and three practice tests with answer explanations. The book also provides a study prep plan for the SHRM-CP and covers the SHRM Behavioral Competencies and Technical Knowledge. The Test Prep Books practice questions are as close as you can get to the actual test. Overall, this study guide is highly recommended for anyone planning to take the SHRM CP exam.
SHRM Exam Prep: Complete Test Prep for The Society for Human Resource Management Examination: Includes Study Guide for CP and SCP, Practice Test Questions, Answers and Exam Review
The SHRM Exam Prep is a comprehensive guide for those preparing for the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) exam. It includes a study guide for both CP and SCP, practice test questions, detailed answer explanations, and covers all subjects of the exam in-depth. With over 320 exam prep questions, this book is a valuable resource for anyone looking to pass the SHRM exam in 2023 and 2024. As a communication skills book, it is an excellent tool for HR professionals looking to enhance their knowledge in the field. Overall, this book is a must-have for those preparing for the SHRM exam and is unique in its comprehensive coverage of the exam and clear explanations of the answers.
A Guide to the Human Resource Body of Knowledge (HRBoK)
An essential reference for HR professionals, A Guide to the Human Resource Body of Knowledge (HRBoK) from HR Certification Institute (HRCI) is a must-have guide for those who aspire to further their expertise and career in the HR field. It covers the six areas of HR functional expertise and provides information on exam eligibility and prep tips. The book contains contributions from dozens of HR subject matter experts and allows readers to assess their skill set and their organization's practices against the HRCI standard. As a certifying body for over four decades, HRCI has drawn upon its collective expertise to codify a standard body of knowledge for the field, making HRBoK the definitive resource that will be the go-to HR reference for years to come.
Adult Learning: Linking Theory and Practice
This book, Adult Learning: Linking Theory and Practice, is a concise and practical resource for educators and master’s-level students interested in adult learning. The authors, Sharan Merriam and Laura Bierema, provide a solid theoretical foundation while also offering practical applications for instruction. The book covers a range of topics, from traditional learning theories to critical thinking and digital age learning. Each chapter includes discussion questions and activities for reflection. Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in enhancing their practice and understanding of how adults learn.
Reimagine Inclusion
Reimagine Inclusion by Mita Mallick is a must-read for managers, executives, founders, and CEOs who are looking to build more inclusive, empathetic, and resilient organizations. This book debunks 13 myths that hold us back from transforming our workplaces and provides practical strategies for implementing transformative inclusivity. Mallick shares powerful storytelling combined with practical and hands-on ways to be more inclusive leaders. The author teaches us that when we show up as more inclusive leaders, we have the power to change our organizations, ultimately creating a ripple effect across our ecosystem. Overall, Reimagine Inclusion is an exceptional resource for anyone committed to building a more inclusive workplace culture.
Organizational Behavior (What's New in Management)
This Organizational Behavior textbook provides undergraduate and graduate students with current, relevant research in a language they can understand. The 18th edition reflects the latest research and business events in the field while maintaining its hallmark features. The author, Stephen P. Robbins, is a Professor Emeritus of Management at San Diego State University and the world’s best-selling textbook author in management and organizational behavior. This textbook is engaging, cutting-edge, and helps students understand and connect with the subject. Overall, it is a valuable resource for students studying organizational behavior.
The SHRM Essential Guide to Employment Law, Second Edition: A Handbook for HR Professionals, Managers, Businesses, and Organizations
The SHRM Essential Guide to Employment Law, Second Edition: A Handbook for HR Professionals, Managers, Businesses, and Organizations is a comprehensive legal reference for HR professionals, employers, and small business owners. It covers over 200 workplace law topics, providing an overview of U.S. workplace laws, regulations, and court decisions that employers may face. The book offers insights on what pitfalls to anticipate and when to seek professional advice. The Second Edition features new content, including new NLRB rules and compliance for telework. Overall, this book is an essential resource for anyone looking to navigate the complex world of employment law.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What do HR people read?
The Essential HR Handbook This is one of the top HR strategy books on the market and covers almost every HR topic you can think of. It focuses on best practices with workers, building relationships, and traversing HR problems in a complicated business world. It's a great go-to manual for all levels of HR professionals.
2. What are the 7 human resources?
Human Resource activities fall under 7 core functions: Recruitment and Selection, Training and Development, Performance Management, Employee Relations, Employment Law and Compliance, Compensation and Benefits and Administration, Payroll & HR Systems.
During our human resources book research, we found 1,200+ human resources book products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 12,838 customer reviews through our big data system to write the human resources books list. We found that most customers choose human resources books with an average price of $39.42.

Wilson Cook is a talented writer who has an MFA in creative writing from Williams College and has published more than 50 books acquired by hundreds of thousands of people from various countries by now. He is an inveterate reading lover as he has read a vast amount of books since childhood.