New York Times bestselling author and workplace researcher Marcus Buckingham has released Design Love In: How to Unleash the Most Powerful Force in Business, a book that argues that human connection can be a measurable driver of workplace performance, employee engagement and long-term business growth.

In the book, Buckingham challenges the conventional view of love as a purely emotional or soft concept. He defines it as the connection that makes people feel seen, valued and inspired, and argues that organisations can deliberately build such experiences into their workplaces, products, services and customer interactions.

Drawing on decades of research, real-world examples and his work with global organisations, Buckingham offers leaders a framework for “designing love in” across different aspects of business. He links stronger human connection with higher engagement, better performance, customer loyalty and sustainable growth.

The book comes as companies navigate rapid advances in artificial intelligence, hybrid work and changing expectations around employee and customer experiences. Buckingham argues that as technology takes over more tasks, the ability to create meaningful human connections could become an increasingly important competitive advantage.

Design Love In presents a practical approach for leaders seeking to create workplaces where employees feel valued and are able to perform at their best, while also strengthening relationships with customers.

Buckingham is a global researcher, bestselling author and authority on strengths, leadership and workplace performance. His work has influenced managers and professionals worldwide and has focused on reshaping how organisations approach talent, engagement and workplace success.