Melissa Swift's "Work Here Now: Think Like a Human and Build a Powerhouse Workplace" is a timely and insightful guide that tackles one of the most pressing issues in the contemporary work environment: how to make work less dreadful and more productive. As the North American Transformation Leader at Mercer, Swift brings a wealth of experience and expertise to this practical manual, which is especially relevant in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and the ensuing shift in work dynamics.
The Central Question
The book begins with a provocative question that resonates with many in the workforce: "Does work really have to suck this bad?" This sets the stage for a comprehensive exploration of how current work practices contribute to employee dissatisfaction and stagnant productivity, despite the rapid technological advancements of our time.
Practical Strategies for Transformation
Swift's approach is refreshingly pragmatic and hands-on. She provides a robust framework with:
50 strategies to create a powerhouse workplace at the organizational level.
50 strategies to create a powerhouse workplace at the team level.
A simple framework for making people-centered decisions.
These strategies are not just theoretical; they are actionable steps designed to bring about real improvement in workplace dynamics. Swift avoids the trap of offering superficial solutions like foosball tables or nap rooms, which often fail to address the root causes of workplace malaise. Instead, she delves into meaningful changes that can have a lasting impact on both employee satisfaction and organizational performance.
“The pandemic upended the world of work and revealed that we could work effectively in entirely new ways. But how can organizations harness these new ways of working to properly shape the workplace of the future? Lucky for them, Work Here Now is a practical toolkit for how to transform the everyday colleague experience―and soar to new business heights in the process.” - Martine Ferland, President and CEO, Mercer
Identifying and Addressing Inhuman Practices
One of the standout sections of the book is Swift's candid examination of the inhumane practices that have become entrenched in many workplaces. She identifies how these practices stifle growth, profitability, and innovation. By shining a light on these detrimental practices, Swift sets the stage for proposing a new model of work that is both humane and efficient.
A New Model for the Future of Work
Swift’s proposed model is forward-thinking and grounded in real-world application. She encourages readers to rethink work dynamics fundamentally, from re-evaluating work hours to reconsidering top-down management structures. Her insights are particularly valuable for leaders seeking to foster a supportive and successful work environment.
“Melissa Swift knows what she’s talking about, and she talks about it well. I’m delighted that she’s been able to maintain her clear, down-to-earth voice even as she switched from talking to writing. This book has important ideas and interesting examples. Plus, it’s just fun to read. I recommend it highly for people at all levels who care about making work work for workers.” - George Westerman, Senior Lecturer, MIT Sloan School of Management and Founder, Global Opportunity Initiative
Leveraging People as the Greatest Asset
At its core, "Work Here Now" is about recognizing and leveraging a company’s greatest asset—its people. Swift argues convincingly that by making work more humane and enjoyable, organizations can unlock greater levels of productivity and innovation. Her strategies are designed to help companies of all sizes create environments where both employees and businesses can thrive.
Conclusion
"Work Here Now" is an essential read for executives, managers, HR professionals, and business leaders who are serious about transforming their work environments. Melissa Swift’s incisive and practical guide offers a clear roadmap to creating a powerhouse workplace that benefits both employees and organizations. By focusing on human-centered strategies and rejecting hackneyed idealism, Swift provides a valuable toolkit for anyone looking to make work suck less and achieve extraordinary outcomes.
This book is not just about improving work; it’s about rethinking how we approach work altogether. Swift’s insights and strategies are a must-read for anyone committed to building a better, more humane workplace.
“Melissa Swift boldly interrogates how and why we work―and how we can improve organizational performance. With a clear voice and a persuasive call to action, Swift explains how we must rethink key elements of the People model and offers actionable strategies to fix the gaps. Recognizing that talent acquisition is the backbone of the talent cycle, she stresses that the need for true curiosity about the role and the candidates, will make our teams work better. We must resist the temptation to ‘clone’ job descriptions for new roles and tap into the business’s greater strategy to innovate. A necessary read for any leader rethinking how we’ll work together in a post-COVID world.” - Steve Potter, CEO and Managing Partner, Odgers Berndtson LLC
Product Specifications:
"Work Here Now: Think Like a Human and Build a Powerhouse Workplace," authored by Melissa Swift, is published by John Wiley & Sons Inc. The first edition was released on March 7, 2023. Written in English, this hardcover book spans 256 pages. The book's ISBNs are 1119895278 (ISBN-10) and 978-1119895275 (ISBN-13). It weighs 1 kg 50 g and has dimensions of 15.75 x 3.05 x 23.11 cm.
The book is available on Amazon and other leading bookstores. Click here to buy: https://shorturl.at/iwNlP
About the Author:
Melissa Swift is currently leading Capgemini Invent as VP of Workforce and Organizational Change Acceleration in New York. In her role, she drives the firm's initiatives in workforce transformation, HR transformation, HR digitization, diversity, equity, and inclusion, and workforce analytics. Based in New York City, Melissa enjoys life with her husband and daughter.
Melissa is a widely recognized authority on the future of work in the post-COVID era, with her insights featured in esteemed publications such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Newsweek, The Economist, The Washington Post, Axios, and Daily Mail. She has also made appearances on NPR and Al-Jazeera English.
Her approach combines data analytics with practical and human-centered perspectives to achieve exceptional results for organizations. Melissa has introduced innovative strategies to reimagine organizations for digital and workforce transformation, successfully executing projects across diverse sectors including manufacturing, professional services, biotech, and consumer goods. Earlier in her career, she played a crucial role in developing businesses in the ESG transformation space. She launched the Sustainability Services and Cleantech practices at Deloitte and executed two pioneering carbon credit derivatives trades at Deutsche Bank.
Melissa holds a B.A. in English and American Language and Literature from Harvard University and an MBA in Finance from Columbia Business School.
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