Sameer Gudhate presents the Book Review of People Connect — An Engagement Advantage by Preeti Khanolkar

Have you ever sat back after a workday and wondered — beyond deadlines, meetings, and reports — what truly keeps a workplace alive? That invisible yet powerful thread is connection. And it’s exactly this magic that Preeti Khanolkar captures so beautifully in People Connect – An Engagement Advantage.

Preeti Khanolkar, an experienced HR professional, steps beyond textbooks and buzzwords. She brings to the table real emotions, genuine human insights, and years of hands-on wisdom. People Connect isn’t just her debut book; it feels like a heart-to-heart conversation with someone who’s walked the walk in the chaotic, beautiful world of human resources.

In People Connect, Preeti invites us into her world — a world where connecting with people isn’t an "HR initiative" but a living, breathing necessity. Through personal anecdotes and reflections, she lays out how genuine relationships at work foster trust, loyalty, and ultimately, success. This book isn’t about checklists or corporate jargon. It’s about being present, caring more, and leading with empathy. What truly sets it apart is its simplicity — Preeti isn’t here to lecture; she’s here to remind us what we often forget in the hustle: humans are, first and foremost, emotional beings.

Reading Preeti’s writing is like chatting with a mentor over coffee. She uses simple, heartfelt language — no heavy academic theories weighing you down here. The narrative is clean, organized, and relatable, which makes it perfect whether you’re an HR beginner, a seasoned professional, or just someone passionate about human dynamics at work. I especially loved how she used real-world situations to explain her points rather than drowning readers in abstract concepts.

While there aren’t fictional characters in this book, the "ideas" breathe like people. Each concept — whether it’s building trust, showing genuine care, or maintaining open communication — feels alive because Preeti injects them with real emotions and examples. It’s clear that these aren’t just theories for her; they’re lived experiences. And that’s powerful.

The structure is straightforward and refreshing. Each chapter deals with a specific aspect of workplace engagement, making it easy to dip in and out of depending on what you’re looking for. No long-winded detours. No overwhelming information dumps. Just clean, purposeful storytelling. It’s like being handed a map where every stop offers a small but meaningful revelation.

At its heart, People Connect is about empathy, trust, and the profound human need to be seen and heard. Preeti gently reminds us that KPIs, surveys, and policies mean little without authentic human engagement. It’s a timely message in an era where "remote" often feels synonymous with "distant."

This book made me pause more than once. It made me think about the connections I’ve taken for granted at my own workplace. Those casual “How are you really doing?” conversations. Those silent moments of support. Preeti’s words stir a quiet introspection — and honestly, isn’t that the kind of emotional impact every good book should have?

The book’s biggest strength is its authenticity. You can feel Preeti’s sincerity in every word. Her lived experiences make the advice trustworthy and relatable. Plus, the short, digestible chapters and real-world examples make this an accessible read for absolutely anyone.

If I had to point out a minor flaw, it would be that seasoned HR veterans might find some parts predictable. But honestly, even for them, Preeti’s perspective refreshes well-worn ideas with a kind of warmth that’s hard to resist.

As someone who deeply values real connections — both professionally and personally — People Connect felt like a gentle but firm reminder to "care more." It resonated with my own belief that real leadership isn’t about authority; it’s about authenticity. And in today’s transactional world, this reminder is pure gold.

In a world where we’re often too busy to even say a proper hello, People Connect is a heartfelt call to slow down and reconnect — genuinely, deeply, and consistently. Preeti Khanolkar has gifted us not just a book, but a mentor in paperback form. Whether you’re new to HR, a manager trying to engage your team, or simply someone wanting to bring more meaning into your work life, People Connect deserves a spot on your reading list.

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