New Book: Rethinking What Work Should Really Do for People

Capabilities at Work: The Added Value of the Capability Model for Well-Being and Work — edited by Jac van der Klink (Tilburg University) and Sebastiaan Rothmann (North-West University) — will be published on 19 June 2026 by Cambridge University Press.

The book draws on the capability approach to ask a question that goes beyond productivity: does work help people develop their skills, pursue their goals, and participate fully in society? Drawing on research and real-world examples, the authors show how human resource management, public administration, and organisational leadership can build workplaces that are not only more effective — but genuinely fairer.

A central theme running through the book is equity. Work, the authors argue, should actively reduce disparities rather than reinforce them — fostering inclusion across gender, socio-economic, and cultural divides. The chapters offer practical frameworks for removing barriers that limit people's potential and improving the quality and meaning of work for everyone.

Timely, research-grounded, and accessibly written, Capabilities at Work speaks to academics, HR professionals, organisational leaders, policymakers, and anyone committed to making work more meaningful and just.

You will find a link to the book here: https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/capabilities-at-work/2FCF34B1EDDC1514A8ACF179CDE49970

Watch a short video about the capability approach here: https://vimeo.com/1187956497