What are the top books Human Resource Managers should read?

As a Human Resource Manager, it is important to be focused on growth and up to date practices on communication, leadership, and many other essential business skills. While a bachelor's degree, and certainly master's degree, can equip you with the tools needed for success, books on business-related topics are an invaluable resource in finding ways to better yourself and your organization.The following books can provide those working in HR with a variety of useful recommendations and perspectives on team building, leadership, and creating practices for a thriving business environment.

Millennial Workforce: Cracking the Code to Generation Y in Your Company-Javier Montes

This book was released in January and offers a unique perspective on generational differences and employment practices. The reviews showed that both Millennials and those working alongside them found Javier Montes's approach to be relevant and an asset in bridging the communication gap that can occur between generations in the workplace.

Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap and Others Don't-Jim Collins

Good to Great was published in 2001 and is based on a five-year research study done by Jim Collins and his team. The book encourages readers to re-examine organizational change and learn from many great companies who are leading the business world and creating better working environments for their employees, one step at a time. With over 2,000 Amazon reviews and a place on Forbes.com's list of Five Insightful Books Today's HR Professionals Should Be Reading, this book is sure to be a great addition to the library of anyone working in the field of Human Resources.

Work Rules!: Insights from Inside Google That Will Transform How You Live and Lead-Laszlo Bock

Bock's insight into the inner workings of Google has earned this book a place on both the New York Times and Wall Street Journal's bestseller list. Google's innovative approach to business is not one that can be easily replicated. Luckily, Work Rules! selects some of Google's most noteworthy approaches and breaks them down into a format that could easily be translated into any area of business.

The HR Answer Book: An Indispensable Guide for Managers and Human Resources Professionals-Shawn Smith & Rebecca Mazin

The HR Answer Book was published in 2011 and answers more than 200 of the top asked questions for Human Resource managers. This extensive list covers topics from recruitment techniques to FMLA and everything in between. It's easy to use format includes checklists and tools that make this a great resource for both new and experienced HR staff.

First, Break All The Rules: What the World's Greatest Managers Do Differently-Marcus Buckingham, Curt Coffman

Focused on building teams of innovative and productive professionals, First, Break All The Rules offers readers a glimpse of what great managers do differently. The information provided in the book is a culmination of over 80,000 interviews with managing professionals and breaks the difficult task of leading others into four distinct steps.

In today's technology-driven world it is easy to turn to your favorite blog, TED Talk, or website for professional development. However, sometimes those working on their online Master's in Human Resources can need a break from screens. Let these books provide an affordable way to further your knowledge in areas of business and human resources and grow as an individual and manager.