17 Best Books For Remote Workers and People Working From Home Looking to Thrive in Leadership, Time Management, Creativity, and More [2024]

When I started working from home and remotely over a decade ago, I thought I knew what I was doing. But the truth of it was that I was in complete disarray.

I had bad habits aplenty, didn’t understand work-life balance, and was clueless about managing fellow remote workers.

Thankfully, I discovered some of the best books for remote workers on everything from habit formation, time management, and teamwork to leadership, motivation, and delegation to get myself on track.

These days, I still read new books constantly to stay up to date on all things remote work, and the knowledge I’ve found from certain books has been absolutely priceless.

Now, I’m sharing a curated collection of my favorite remote work books to help you do the same. 

Let’s dig in.

What are the best books for remote workers working from home?

For remote workers from entry-level to executive, the books in this guide have been curated to provide blueprints for success and satisfaction in the future of work, whether you’re leading remote teams, learning how to be your own boss, or both. 

From managing remote teams and mental health to leadership and creativity, the topics in these books are tailored to business leaders working remotely, featuring insights and strategies from renowned authors and experts, perfect for both seasoned remote professionals and those new to this work arrangement.

Whether you prefer hardcover or paperback, Kindle edition, or another e-reader, make sure you add these inspiring books to your must-read list.

1. Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear – Best book for building good habits while WFH

James Clear’s Atomic Habits isn’t just another self-help book on getting your life in order. It’s a comprehensive guide on how to transform your behaviors to become the person you wish to be. 

The book shines a light on how habits work, backed by scientific research, and provides practical strategies for forming good habits, breaking bad ones, and mastering the small yet powerful behaviors that lead to remarkable results. 

Clear illustrates that success does not come from monumental changes but from the compounding effect of hundreds of small decisions – doing two push-ups a day, waking up five minutes earlier, or holding a single short phone call. 

He emphasizes that what starts as small habits compound into remarkable results over time, and this book provides the roadmap to achieve and compound those tiny changes and live your best life. 

For remote team leaders and anyone working on virtual teams, Atomic Habits offers a framework for implementing professional and personal habits that contribute to success in their personal and professional life.

Number of Pages: 320 

Year released: 2018

2. Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World by Cal Newport – Best book for cultivating focus while working remotely

In today’s age of distraction and constant connectivity, finding the ability to focus and engage in deep, meaningful work is a significant challenge. Cal Newport, a computer science professor, highlights this issue in Deep Work. He asserts that in our distraction-filled world, the ability to focus without distraction on a cognitively demanding task is a rare and valuable skill. 

This book offers a range of actionable strategies to foster this ability, from scheduling every minute of your day to embracing boredom. Newport illustrates his points with fascinating case studies, actionable tips, and intriguing anecdotes. This book is especially helpful for remote workers, as it provides guidance on managing distractions and achieving more in less time — critical skills in a remote work setting.

Number of Pages: 304 

Year released: 2016

3. The New Remote Manager: The First-Time Manager’s Ultimate Guide to Managing Remote Employees, Building High-Performing Teams, and Leading Through Change by Matthew Barker – Best book for remote managers

Matthew Barker’s debut book comes as a guide for managers adapting to the new virtual world of work. In The New Remote Manager, he presents an opportunity to be a part of a new movement and become the best remote manager possible. 

Barker equips remote leaders with the necessary tools to deal with the challenges of motivating a remote team, fostering strong teamwork over virtual platforms, communicating effectively, and managing performance. 

The guide covers developing a resilient leadership mindset, essential managerial skills, the power of feedback, and even tips for running virtual meetings effectively. 

Barker’s book is a comprehensive guide for any manager cultivating remarkable remote leadership and seeking to manage, motivate, and inspire their team to deliver exceptional performance.

Number of Pages: 210 

Year released: 2023

4. Linchpin: Are You Indispensable? by Seth Godin – Best book for remote employees

Linchpin by Seth Godin is one of the best remote leadership books, as it explores how individuals can become indispensable in their work, regardless of their role or location. Godin introduces the concept of the “linchpin,” an individual who is unique, innovative, and makes things happen within their organization. 

The book encourages readers to break free from the conformity of traditional work models and become linchpins by leveraging their unique abilities and creativity. For people who work remotely, Linchpin provides valuable insights into how they can stand out and create value in a distributed work environment. It’s a guide for being remarkable, creative, and productive, and ultimately, indispensable.

Number of Pages: 256

Year released: 2010

5. Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts. by Brené Brown – Best leadership book for remote executives  

In Dare to Lead, Brené Brown, a renowned researcher and lecturer, applies her insights to leadership, proposing a daring new approach to leading remotely or otherwise with courage and wholeheartedness. Perfect for remote workforce leaders, it navigates the challenges of managing teams remotely with kindness and understanding. 

Brown encourages leaders to be curious, share power, and lean into difficult situations, all while fostering empathy and connection, to improve company culture and keep the team engaged.

The book establishes that a leader is not defined by titles or status, but rather by their willingness to recognize and develop potential in people and ideas. With this book, remote workers can learn to lead with courage, even in a culture often defined by scarcity, fear, and uncertainty.

Number of Pages: 320 

Year released: 2018

6. Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman – Best remote work book on time-management 

In Four Thousand Weeks, Oliver Burkeman challenges conventional wisdom about time management and tracking productivity. Drawing from philosophical and psychological insights, Burkeman invites readers to reckon with the finitude of human life, which stands at around 4,000 weeks if one lives to be just under 77. 

This book offers a new perspective on time management, particularly suited for remote workers who often struggle to balance work and personal life. It encourages readers to reject the modern obsession with ‘getting everything done’ and instead embrace the finite nature of time. By doing so, one can create a more meaningful and satisfying life. 

This book provides a practical and deeply profound guide to time and time management, perfect for anyone looking to reassess their relationship with time and their approach to work and life.

Number of Pages: 304 

Year Released: 2021

7. The Year Without Pants: WordPress.com and the Future of Work by Scott Berkun – Best insider account of working at a remote company

The Year Without Pants by Scott Berkun is an entertaining and enlightening exploration of the future of work. Berkun, a former Microsoft executive, relays his experiences working at WordPress.com, offering an insider’s account of the benefits, challenges, and realities of a remote working environment. 

The book serves as a case study of how one company has successfully leveraged remote work to boost productivity and employee satisfaction. It provides valuable lessons on being a long-distance leader, keeping remote teams creative, and cultivating positive communication practices and human elements that ultimately drive remote work success. Berkun candidly explores these topics with wit, practicality, and an eye toward the future of work.

Number of Pages: 272 

Year Released: 2013

8. Working Remotely: Secrets to Success for Employees on Distributed Teams by Teresa Douglas, Holly Gordon, and Mike Webber – Best book for remote employees on distributed teams

The creators of this book – Douglas, Gordon, and Webber – understand the nuances of working on a distributed team and share their experiences and insights in Working Remotely. 

This essential guide to remote work addresses the common challenges of a remote work environment, providing practical tips on everything from setting up an ergonomic remote ready office at home to navigating different time zones and fostering effective communication in virtual environments. 

The book provides invaluable insights for remote workers, offering actionable strategies for boosting productivity, maintaining a healthy work-life balance, and fostering a strong sense of community within distributed teams. As we continue to adapt to the new norms of remote work, Working Remotely remains a valuable tool for those seeking to enhance their telecommuting experience.

Number of Pages: 192 

Year Released: 2020

9. Remote: Office Not Required by Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson – Great book for remote executives

Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson, the founders of Basecamp, were pioneers in advocating for remote work, even before the COVID-19 pandemic made it a necessity. In Remote: Office Not Required, they provide a comprehensive overview of the benefits of remote work, and offer practical advice on how to work effectively from anywhere. 

The authors explore different facets of remote work, including hiring and managing remote teams, creating a productive environment at home, and avoiding burnout. Remote: Office Not Required is filled with insights and practical advice that makes it a valuable guide for anyone working remotely or managing a remote team.

Number of Pages: 256 

Year released: 2013

10. Rework by Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson 

Rework by Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson shatters conventional business ideologies. As the founders of Basecamp, a successful remote work startup, the authors take a radical stance against traditional business standards, a.k.a. “normal work,” challenging the necessity of business plans, outside investors, and endless meetings.

They present a unique perspective on starting and running a business, emphasizing simplicity, autonomy, and contrarian approaches, such as remote work. For remote workers, especially those with entrepreneurial aspirations, Rework offers a refreshingly new perspective on work, productivity, and the true meaning of success.

Number of Pages: 288 

Year Released: 2010

11. The Power of Full Engagement: Managing Energy, Not Time, Is the Key to High Performance and Personal Renewal by Jim Loehr and Tony Schwartz

Jim Loehr and Tony Schwartz’s The Power of Full Engagement introduces a transformative work-life philosophy that prioritizes energy management over time management. They propose that high performance and personal fulfillment stem from the ability to balance different types of energy: physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual. 

The book presents a diverse range of techniques for boosting and balancing these energies, providing a roadmap for achieving maximum personal and professional productivity. Particularly useful for remote workers, who often grapple with blurred work-life boundaries, this book encourages a holistic approach to productivity and work-life balance for optimizing team success.

Number of Pages: 256 

Year Released: 2003 

12. Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown

In Essentialism, Greg McKeown champions the notion of doing less but better. The book explores how to discern the vital few tasks from the trivial many, aiming to increase productivity and satisfaction by focusing on less. McKeown provides a practical guide on how to prioritize tasks, declutter work processes, and cultivate the art of saying “no”. 

Especially beneficial for remote workers, who often struggle with distractions and overwhelming tasks, Essentialism offers a refreshing, systematic framework for productivity that transcends the traditional norms of hustle culture.

Number of Pages: 272 

Year Released: 2014

13. Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking by Susan Cain

Susan Cain’s Quiet is a powerful exploration of the hidden strengths of introverts in a society that values extroversion. It delves into the advantages introverts possess, such as deep thinking, perseverance, and active listening, and discusses how these traits can be leveraged for success in both personal and professional settings. 

For remote workers who identify as introverts, Quiet provides practical advice on how to harness their innate strengths and create a work environment that respects and rewards thoughtful introspection and focus.

Number of Pages: 368 

Year Released: 2013

14. Digital Minimalism: Choosing a Focused Life in a Noisy World by Cal Newport

Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport is a thought-provoking book that provides practical advice on minimizing digital distractions and living a more intentional life. Newport proposes a philosophy of selective use of technology, focusing on tools that genuinely add value while disregarding the rest. 

In a world where remote workers often struggle with digital distractions and online burnout, this book presents effective strategies to declutter one’s digital life, boost productivity, and increase overall well-being.

Number of Pages: 304 

Year Released: 2019

15. The Happiness Advantage: How a Positive Brain Fuels Success in Work and Life by Shawn Achor

In The Happiness Advantage, Shawn Achor flips the script on conventional wisdom that suggests success precedes happiness. He uses findings from positive psychology and neuroscience to demonstrate how happiness fuels success instead. Achor provides seven evidence-based principles that individuals can apply to improve their performance and achieve a fulfilling work life. 

This uplifting and practical book is an excellent resource for remote workers who are seeking strategies for maintaining positivity, resilience, and high performance in their careers.

Number of Pages: 256 

Year Released: 2010

16. The Remote Work Revolution: Succeeding from Anywhere by Tsedal Neeley

In The Remote Work Revolution, Tsedal Neeley uses her two decades of research to provide a comprehensive guide for anyone working or managing remotely. The book outlines key practices for staying productive, fostering innovation, and maintaining strong relationships when working remotely. 

From personal organization and time management to team collaboration and leadership in virtual environments, Neeley covers a wide spectrum of remote work challenges and solutions. As remote work becomes the new norm, this book is an essential read for anyone seeking to adapt and excel in the evolving workspace.

Number of Pages: 232 

Year Released: 2021

17. The 4-Hour Workweek: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich by Tim Ferriss

Tim Ferriss’s revolutionary book, The 4-Hour Workweek, challenges conventional notions about work and lifestyle. Ferriss argues that it’s possible to escape the 9-to-5 grind, live anywhere, and join the “new rich” by rethinking our relationship with work and time. 

He provides practical advice on outsourcing tasks, eliminating unnecessary work, and generating income passively. Ferriss’s book is a trove of strategies and resources for remote workers looking to work smarter, not harder, and live a life of freedom and abundance on their own terms.

Number of Pages: 416 

Year Released: 2009

The best books for remote workers working from home – Wrapping it up

Remote work can pose a unique set of challenges, but when you’re armed with knowledge and insights from thought leaders in the field, you can learn to leap high over the hurdles.

The books listed in this guide — ranging from Atomic Habits for cultivating productive habits, to Linchpin for standing out in your role, and The New Remote Manager for leading distributed teams — offer an extensive wealth of wisdom and practical strategies.

Whether you’re an individual remote worker seeking to optimize your workflow, a manager learning to lead your team effectively in a virtual environment, or someone navigating the work-from-home lifestyle for the first time, there’s a book here for you. Each of these best books for remote workers offers unique insights that can help transform your remote working experience, taking it from merely functional to truly exceptional.

Remember, continuous learning and adaptation are key to thriving in a remote work setup. We hope this guide aids you on your journey, inspiring growth, productivity, and a renewed sense of enjoyment in your work. Happy reading and happy remote working!

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