Why Employees Avoid Reading Business Books 

We can’t pretend that reading business books is the answer to all your team’s development needs. Here’s why they might not be diving into that stack of books:

1. Time Pressure: Everyone’s slammed with day-to-day tasks, and reading a 300-page book on leadership? That feels like a luxury they can’t afford. The idea of sitting down with a book gets buried under meetings, emails, and deadlines. 

    

2. Relevance: Let’s face it, if a book doesn’t feel immediately applicable, it’s easy to push it aside. People want to fix today’s problems, not read through chapters of theory that might help them someday. 

    

3. Scepticism About Value: Some business books are packed with fluff, repeating the same point over and over. If employees have been burned by a few bad reads, they’ll be sceptical about picking up another one. 

    

4. Digital Distractions: In a world where information comes in bite-sized, fast-paced content—blogs, podcasts, and videos—books can feel like the slow road to knowledge. Employees are more likely to watch a 10-minute TED Talk than read a full book.

How to Encourage Employees to Read Business Books

If you want to spark a shift, you need to make reading accessible and relevant. Here’s how to light that fire:

1. Curate the Right Content: Forget pushing the latest business bestseller just because it’s trending. Pick books that speak directly to the challenges your team faces. It’s about finding material that clicks with their current reality.

2. Make Time for It: People are busy. If reading’s a priority, show it by carving out time in the workday. Whether it’s a quick 20-minute session before lunch or a monthly book club, make it part of the culture. 

3. Make It a Group Effort: Reading doesn’t have to be a solo activity. Get your team talking. Whether it's a book club or a simple group discussion, sharing insights makes reading more engaging and relatable.

4. Reward It: If you want to change behaviour, incentives help. Recognise and reward the people who not only read but apply what they’ve learned. It shows that development has tangible value.

5. Lead from the Front: If you expect your team to read, you need to do the same. Share what you’re reading and how it’s influencing your own decision-making. When the boss walks the walk, it’s harder for the team to ignore it.

The Benefits of Reading Business Books for Employee Development 

When employees get stuck into business books, the pay-offs are big:

1. Fresh Perspectives: Books open up new ways of thinking. Whether it’s a leadership strategy from a different industry or an innovative approach to teamwork, reading expands horizons. 

2. Critical Thinking: Slowing down to read forces people to think deeply about the material. It sharpens problem-solving skills and encourages them to think more strategically.

3. Skill Growth: From communication to decision-making, the right book can help employees develop skills that make a real difference in their roles.

4. Increased Engagement: When people apply something new and see it work, their confidence soars. They become more motivated, more engaged, and ultimately, more invested in the business.

Conclusion: Building a Learning Culture Beyond Books

Here’s the kicker: 

Business books are just one tool in the box. Real growth comes from creating a culture where learning is part of the DNA—where employees are encouraged to seek knowledge, experiment, and share insights.

It’s not about pushing books; it’s about fostering a mindset where development is continuous and embraced.

If you’re ready to create a learning culture that goes beyond books and into real, actionable growth, I’m here to help. Whether it’s coaching, mentoring, or tailored development plans, let’s build something that lasts.

Reach out today to get started.