At this time, it’s important that stress is handled in the right way, and employees feel supported, engaged, and resilient. This results in increased motivation, better collaboration, and boosted performance.

To help, we’ve selected five insightful books that offer leaders, HR professionals, and employees practical tools, strategies, and perspectives to deal with workplace stress, build resilience, and create environments where people can thrive. These reads offer actionable guidance to manage pressure, support mental health, and foster a healthier, more productive workplace, as we wrap up 2025 and prepare for a successful year ahead.

Best read for: building happier, motivated teams

Happiness is a Serious Business – Nic Marks

£19.97, Rethink Press

Happiness at work is essential for success. In Happiness is a Serious Business, Nic Marks blends solid research with real-world examples to show how happiness drives collaboration, resilience, and stronger performance.

The book provides readers with a practical roadmap for taking happiness seriously, building motivated, engaged teams, and avoiding the common mistakes that can undermine wellbeing. Packed with actionable strategies to boost trust, connection, and productivity, it’s an inspiring and useful guide for anyone who wants to create a workplace where people feel valued, energised, and genuinely excited to do their best work.

Best read for: thriving in fast-paced environments

How to Survive in a Scale-Up Business – Vidya Murali

£32.99, Routledge

Scale ups can be exhilarating, but they’re also exhausting. Vidya Murali offers an emotional survival kit for managing the highs and lows of young, high-growth businesses.

From practical checklists to frameworks for handling toxic patterns, real-life case studies, and tips for different personalities – including introverts, highly sensitive people, and neurodiverse employees – How to Survive in a Scale-Up Business helps professionals and leaders thrive in demanding, unpredictable environments. Brilliant for anyone joining, leading, or supporting scale ups, it provides tools to manage stress, build emotional resilience, and succeed without losing wellbeing.

Best read for: converting workplace pressure into growth

Brave New Leader – Lesley Cooper & Vicky Smith

£19.99, Right Book Press

Even with support systems, workplace pressure can make it difficult for people to speak up and feel safe. Brave New Leader reveals how to turn that pressure into positive, sustainable performance. This book shows leaders how to recognise the fears that hold teams back, create a culture where people feel safe to speak up, and make small changes that lead to big results.

Full of useful tools and real-world strategies, it helps leaders encourage engagement, wellbeing, and resilience – so teams can flourish, perform at their best, and feel supported every day.

Best read for: managing difficult leadership dynamics

12 Tools for Managing a Selfish Leader – Josefine Campbell

£14.99, Armin Lear Press

Marie’s story takes you inside the real challenges of working with a selfish leader - and shows how to stay sane, strong, and true to yourself. Based on a true story, 12 Tools for Managing a Selfish Leader offers 12 great ways to reclaim your energy, set boundaries, and build resilience.

Executive coach Josefine Campbell draws on years of corporate experience to share strategies for staying authentic and thriving, even when leadership is difficult. It’s a must-read for anyone wanting to protect their mental health, navigate tricky work dynamics, and succeed without sacrificing their wellbeing.

Best read for: creating mentally healthy workplaces

Mental Health and Wellbeing in the Workplace – Gill Hasson & Donna Butler

£12.99, Capstone

This insightful guide gives both employers and employees the tools to nurture mental health and support colleagues experiencing mental health challenges. Mental Health and Wellbeing in the Workplace explores stress, anxiety, and hands-on strategies for promoting overall wellbeing at work.

Packed with real-life case studies and actionable guidance, it shows how to create effective wellbeing policies, tackle everyday challenges, and support your team. The book offers tips to build a workplace culture where psychological safety comes first and people feel valued. Clear, engaging, and grounded in real-world experience, it’s an important read for anyone wanting to encourage a supportive, resilient environment where employees can thrive.

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