November reads: book recommendations
This month we've listed our favourite books to improve your performance and wellbeing. Whether you want to reduce stress, become more productive or unleash your full potential, we hope these books help you feel more inspired and positive.
The Comfort Book by Matt Haig
(Canongate Books | Hardback, Ebook, Audiobook | July 2021)
The bestselling author of Reasons to Stay Alive brings us The Comfort Book which is a collection of lists, aphorisms, quotes and recipes that Haig created during difficult times. As he says, ‘It is a strange paradox that many of the clearest, most comforting life lessons are learned while we are at our lowest’. This little book, full of warmth and empathy, is designed to be dipped in and out of and is ideal to pick up when you’re feeling low.
Joy at Work: Organising Your Professional Life by Marie Kondo and Scott Sonenshein
(Bluebird | Paperback, Ebook, Audiobook | October 2021)
Marie Kondo's first book, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying, was an international bestseller and inspired us to organise and de-clutter our homes. In Joy at Work, Kondo has teamed up with organisational psychologist Scott Sonenshein to share practical advice on how to organise our work stations, get rid of clutter (both physical and digital), avoid procrastination and improve the way we work. This includes tips on how to keep your desktop in order, organising emails, avoiding distractions and, if possible at work, focusing on what sparks joy.
The Crazy Busy Cure: A productivity book for people with no time for productivity books by Zena Everett
(Nicholas Brealey Publishing | Paperback, Ebook, Audiobook | July 2021)
Ironically, if you need to read this you'll probably feel that you’re too busy to do so but, as the subtitle suggests, this is a fairly short book that really gets to the heart of the matter. Zena Everett, an executive coach and organisational psychologist, draws on her experience coaching people on how to improve productivity. Covering remote working and the pandemic, it’s full of practical tips to help you manage your time, energy and attention. Ideal for busy people, including procrastinators, control freaks and perfectionists, this book contains advice on mastering productivity for a less stressful work life.
WFH (Working From Home): How to build a career you love when you're not in the office by Harriet Minter
(Greenfinch | Hardback, Ebook, Audiobook | March 2021)
Harriet Minter is a careers coach and advises companies on their flexible working culture. In WFH, Minter draws on her experience in this practical guide to working from home which is packed with tips and advice on how to work from home optimally. This book helps explain how you can benefit from home working, excel in your job and build new skills.
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