It’s summer! Suitcases are almost packed, beach towels are ready, and the scent of sunscreen is already in the air. For many, this means holiday time, and what could be better than combining that well-deserved rest with a good (audio)book? Of course, there’s an enormous choice of books: from literary fiction and true stories to thrilling detective novels and inspiring management books.
To enrich your holiday period with some relevant and inspiring books, we have made a selection of recently published international titles that align with current developments in the world of work, such as:
- Continued integration of AI into processes and systems. It’s not just about using AI tools, but about developing the capacity for “co-intelligence,” the ability to collaborate effectively with AI systems.
- Maturation of hybrid work models. The physical office space is transforming from a standard workplace into a purposeful hub for collaboration and connection, while effective communication is shifting from real-time presence to structured, intentional information exchange.
- Evolving career paths and individual autonomy. The emphasis is increasingly on individuals’ ability to shape their own career trajectories, signifying a shift from a reactive employee role to a proactive, strategic professional.
A new book on each of these themes has been published very recently. We have listed them for you below.
Co-Intelligence – 2025 edition, written by Ethan Mollick and released in 2025. Mollick’s central message revolves around “co-intelligence,” advocating for active collaboration between humans and Artificial Intelligence. The book offers guidelines for achieving this synergy, with the 2025 edition featuring five new chapters that contextualise the most recent AI developments. Key themes include working smarter with AI, prompting, AI technology, innovation, the future of human-machine collaboration, productivity, and the impact of large language models on education and business. For those proficient in English: the original English version, incidentally, reads a little more smoothly than the Dutch translation.
Hybrid Work Strategies for 2025: How to Succeed in Remote, In-Office, and Flexible Work Environments, written by Johnny Nelson, released in 2025 as an audiobook. This book addresses the psychological, cultural, and technological shifts reshaping modern work. Key topics include managing remote teams, fostering collaboration, designing effective hybrid schedules, and rethinking office spaces. The emphasis on “psychological, cultural, and technological shifts” highlights that successful hybrid work is not just about policy or tools, but about fundamentally rethinking organisational culture and leadership.
Managing Up: How to Get What You Need From the People In Charge, written by Melody Wilding and also released in 2025. The focus on gaining influence, navigating politics, and advocating for oneself implies that traditional top-down management is evolving. In modern, often flatter or project-based organisations, employees must exert influence at various levels and departments, not just upwards. The ability to effectively “manage up” means understanding the manager’s perspective, anticipating needs, and proactively shaping one’s own role and contributions, thereby becoming an active player in one’s career and the organisation’s success. The emphasis on “crucial conversations” and “specific scripts” indicates a growing recognition that interpersonal communication and emotional intelligence are of paramount importance in complex work environments, often outweighing technical proficiency alone. This points to a trend where soft skills are becoming hard requirements.
A common theme running through all three books is the necessity of adaptability and continuous learning. Despite technological advancements, the human element remains central. And that, after all, is a pleasant message to take into the summer.
We wish you a wonderful and inspiring summer period!
