I would surely recommend this book to anyone who work in HR, manages team or is involved in activities that requires people management.
Well written and thought provoking
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

I'd recommend this book to any manager or people professional looking to foster real engagement in their workforce rather than just viewing engagement as a buzzword they need to hit. This is well written and includes advice and helpful information for all kinds of teams. I really enjoyed the inclusion of social history, to give us a clearer understanding of where we've been and how we continue to move forward.

I liked the way this book was written. Each chapter started with a bit of social history which was a good reminder of what has led organisations to the point they are now. There were lots of useful points to make me think. I would have liked a few more practical solutions to address these though.

Engaging Teams by Nick Smallman and Dan Parry is a timely and invaluable resource for business leaders, HR professionals, and anyone looking to boost team performance and address disengagement in the workplace. With businesses facing unprecedented levels of disengagement—resulting in billions in lost productivity—the authors provide a comprehensive solution grounded in research and real-world examples.

The book delves into the causes of disengagement, such as ineffective wellbeing initiatives and the challenges of leading through change, and offers practical strategies to address these issues. Smallman and Parry use a wealth of academic research, business data, and insights from C-suite executives to guide readers in fostering healthier, more motivated teams. Topics such as multigenerational communication, emotional intelligence, and agile thinking are explored with actionable advice for building a culture of engagement.

What sets Engaging Teams apart is its clear, accessible approach. The book offers a step-by-step path for improving team dynamics, using case studies from companies like NASA, Microsoft, and Google to illustrate the effectiveness of these strategies in action. From boosting productivity to enhancing resilience and retention, the authors provide a blueprint that is both practical and insightful.

Whether you're a seasoned leader or just starting out in management, Engaging Teams offers invaluable lessons on how to create environments where employees feel valued, motivated, and driven to contribute. It's a must-read for anyone looking to lead successful, high-performing teams in today’s rapidly changing business landscape.

This book presents a well-thought-out analysis of quiet quitting, the cost of disengagement, and genuine solutions to help employees (want to) achieve their potential.

It starts by identifying the real causes of disengagement, particularly critiquing performative well-being programs. I couldn't agree more! Overworked employees with limited resources, little trust in senior management, and no psychological safety won't be re-engaged by a lunch-hour Zumba class.

I appreciated the book’s respect for younger workers—Gen Z isn’t less resilient; they simply value psychological health and safety more. If organizations want to retain them, they must too. The authors highlight the meaning and purpose work can provide, which resonates with me. Work should align with a person’s values, interests, and needs.

The book takes a broad approach, covering communication, technology, globalization, the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, and social challenges. My only critique is that the historical background felt like a bit of a long lead-up, but it was balanced with recent data and research.

I’d recommend this to HR professionals and managers looking to foster real engagement. There are passages I’ll no doubt share with colleagues and clients.