We - Classic Text | Alexandria
"We: How to Increase Performance and Profits Through Full Engagement" stands as a pivotal business text published in 2011 by workplace engagement experts Rudy Karsan and Kevin Kruse. This seminal work explores the intricate relationship between employee engagement and organizational success, presenting both theoretical frameworks and practical strategies gleaned from extensive research and real-world applications.
The book emerged during a critical period of workplace transformation, following the 2008 financial crisis when organizations were grappling with maintaining productivity amid widespread disengagement. Drawing from their extensive experience - Karsan as founder and CEO of Kenexa, a leading human resources consulting firm, and Kruse as a serial entrepreneur and employee engagement expert - the authors synthesized decades of research and consulting experience to develop their groundbreaking approach to workforce engagement.
At its core, "We" introduces the concept of Full Engagement, arguing that traditional employee satisfaction measures fail to capture the complexity of modern workplace dynamics. The authors present compelling evidence that fully engaged employees not only perform better but also contribute significantly to organizational profitability. Through examination of over 10 million worker surveys and 3 million employee interviews, they identified three distinct levels of engagement: engaged, disengaged, and actively disengaged, demonstrating how each level impacts organizational performance.
The book's enduring influence extends beyond its initial publication, having shaped contemporary discussions about workplace culture and employee motivation. Its practical framework for measuring and improving engagement continues to influence human resource practices and organizational development strategies. Modern organizations increasingly reference its principles in developing employee engagement initiatives, while academic institutions incorporate its findings into business curriculum. The text's emphasis on the human element in organizational success remains particularly relevant in today's rapidly evolving workplace environment, where questions of remote work, work-life balance, and employee wellbeing have taken center stage in corporate discourse.