The Human Factor - by Michael Esau & Simon Humphreys

About the Book

"Develop and leverage the human factor in your workforce and organization to boost individual and business performance. This book explores what the human factor is and how it influences the attraction, performance, retention, growth, productivity and wellbeing of employees. It also explains how focusing on it at all levels of the organization can boost business performance. This books will be a roadmap to success for all senior HR professionals and organizational development practitioners. Written by an expert author team with more than 50 years' collective experience, this book explains why the human factor is so important and how HR professionals need to evolve to stay relevant. There is detailed discussion of organizational change as well as a framework for building a case for change. There is guidance on how to define organizational purpose, develop an effective organizational culture and how to design and execute your HR strategy. There is also discussion of the need for continuous improvement of staff at all levels. Sustainability, technology and analytics are also explored and there are interviews from experts in the HR space and case studies from organizations including GSK, Vodafone, BBC, Laing O'Rourke and Scotiabank"-- Provided by publisher.

Book Synopsis

Develop and leverage the human factor in your workforce and organization to boost individual and business performance.

This book explores what the human factor is and how it influences the attraction, performance, retention, growth, productivity and wellbeing of employees. It also explains how focusing on it at all levels of the organization can boost both individual and business performance. It's a roadmap to success for all senior HR professionals, organizational development practitioners, managers and leaders.

There is detailed discussion of sustainability, technology, analytics and organizational change, as well as a framework for building a case for change. The book also provides guidance on how to define organizational purpose, develop an effective organizational culture and how to design and execute a people strategy. There is also discussion of human motivation, the role it plays for individuals and leaders and the need for continual improvement of staff at all levels. Written by an expert author team with more than 50 years' experience between them, the book explains why the human factor is so important and how the changing context in which we live and work demands that HR professionals evolve to stay relevant.

Review Quotes

"This book brings together all aspects of the human side of organizations, with a view to optimizing both individual and collective performance. It is written with authenticity, simply structured and beautifully clear. The authors offer unexpected insights, smart summaries and practical suggestions for action. It is great to generate meaningful conversations on a very important topic, particularly given the context of unprecedented change and volatility in today's world of work."-- "Susan Yell, HR Director, Warburtons"

"The Human Factor is one of the most powerful and thought proving books I have read in years. An amazing exploration of how harnessing organizational purpose, influence and inspiration can drive mission clarity - the real competitive advantage."-- "Eric Tinch, Chief People Officer, Sutherland"

"A masterclass in harnessing the human element for organizational success. The Human Factor is a transformative guide for leaders to unlock the potential of their people through actionable insights, strategic clarity and most importantly, the human touch."-- "Gethin Nadin, Multi-Award-Winning Psychologist and bestselling HR author"

"In The Human Factor, Simon and Michael have masterfully distilled thousands of ideas in podcasts and from personal experiences into relevant, meaningful and actionable words. Their creative frameworks and useful tools turn people into a talent advantage."-- "Dave Ulrich, Rensis Likert Professor, Ross School of Business, University of Michigan"

"Warm, witty and wise. This book is an essential companion for any leader."-- "Damian Hughes, Change Management Catalyst: High Performance Culture"

"Wow, this is a whirlwind of a book - taking you on the full circle journey of work and life with all the best, human perspectives there are out there from the many people Simon and Michael have met on their own journeys. Also a fun and enjoyable easy read - not something that can be said for many books that have at least a toe in the HR domain!"-- "Elaine Bergin, HR Leader"

About the Author

Michael Esau is a Global Value Advisor at SAP with over 25 years' experience in delivering organizational development solutions, cultural transformations and employee engagement strategies.

Simon Humphreys is a Global Solution Architect at SAP with 30 years experience, working with clients globally on how to maximize return on HR technology investments.

The authors co-host The Human Factor Podcast.