Making Work Human by Eric Mosley and Derek Irvine Summary

Making Work Human by Eric Mosley and Derek Irvine provides a roadmap for creating workplaces that prioritize empathy, recognition, and belonging. It argues that human-centered cultures boost productivity, employee satisfaction, and long-term business success. The book includes strategies like fostering trust, celebrating milestones, and leveraging social recognition, with examples from companies like Costco and Toyota.

HR professionals, managers, and business leaders seeking to improve workplace culture will benefit from this book. It’s also valuable for employees interested in understanding how human-centric practices like recognition and autonomy enhance engagement. Startups and established companies aiming to reduce turnover and increase innovation will find actionable insights.

Yes, the book offers evidence-based strategies for building a more empathetic workplace, backed by case studies from Trader Joe’s, Toyota, and others. It balances theoretical frameworks with practical steps, such as implementing recognition programs and redesigning employee experiences. Readers praise its focus on data-driven solutions for modern workforce challenges.

Key ideas include:

• Human-centered design: Shift from efficiency-driven to empathy-driven workplaces.
• Social recognition: Regularly acknowledge contributions to foster connection.
• Employee experience: Address six needs—trust, camaraderie, purpose, recognition, autonomy, and work-life balance.
• Data-driven culture: Use analytics to measure engagement and refine strategies.

The authors advocate for replacing rigid hierarchies with flexible, recognition-rich environments. Tactics include peer-to-peer praise platforms, involving employees in decision-making, and aligning individual goals with company values. Examples show firms using these methods double sales performance and reduce turnover.

A central question posed is: “How do we evolve our workplaces into environments that inspire us, connect us, and help us thrive—both as humans and as organizations?” Another key insight: “People are your biggest investment, not your biggest cost,” emphasizing the ROI of human-centric practices.

It tackles issues like remote work disconnection and burnout by advocating for intentional community-building. Solutions include virtual recognition programs, flexible schedules, and mentorship networks. The book also discusses adapting to AI by emphasizing uniquely human skills like creativity.

While the book provides actionable frameworks, some may find its reliance on corporate case studies less applicable to small businesses. Additionally, transforming entrenched cultures requires sustained effort, which the authors acknowledge but could explore in greater depth.

Unlike Mosley and Irvine’s The Power of Thanks, which focuses narrowly on recognition, this book offers a holistic approach to workplace design. It integrates broader themes like trust, purpose, and data analytics, reflecting evolved strategies from their Workhuman platform.

Yes, it recommends tools like virtual “kudos” boards, regular check-ins focused on well-being, and digital platforms for peer recognition. These methods combat isolation and replicate the camaraderie of in-person teams, as demonstrated by companies cited in the book.

While applicable across sectors, industries with high burnout rates (healthcare, tech, retail) see dramatic improvements. For example, Trader Joe’s empowers staff to innovate, while Toyota’s feedback loops increase operational efficiency—both highlighted as success stories.

It’s a culture where employees feel valued beyond their output—through meaningful connections, growth opportunities, and psychological safety. Metrics like reduced absenteeism, higher innovation rates, and employee Net Promoter Scores (eNPS) signal success.