Zeynep Ton

Zeynep Ton is an acclaimed author, business strategist, speaker, and professor who has been dubbed the “guru of workplace productivity”. Her focus lies on the role of workplace dynamics, with a particular emphasis on how to use technology to create a more agile and equitable work environment. She has published several books which all seek to empower employees, especially women, with better systems, practices, and tools. Her most well-known works, The Good Jobs Strategy and The Technology Fallacy, have both been recognized as essential reads for anyone looking to improve their impact in the workplace.

Zeynep Ton graduated from the University of Harvard in 2001 with a B.A. in economics. She is currently a senior lecturer at MIT Sloan School of Management, where she teaches a course on the role of technology and justice at work. She also advises businesses and non-profits on management and innovation strategies. Her work has been featured in various media outlets, including The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and The Washington Post.

Ton’s award-winning book, The Good Jobs Strategy, was published in 2014. In it, she explains why businesses should adopt “high-road” labor practices that benefit both companies and workers. She suggests that when employers pay more and invest in employee training, they can benefit from higher sales and workplace productivity. By paying workers more and providing learning opportunities, companies can foster an engaged, experienced, and motivated work force; one that is capable of improved performance, motivation, and creativity.

The Good Jobs Strategy has won multiple awards and been featured in numerous publications. It has been translated into several languages, including Mandarin and Spanish. The book has been praised for helping to bridge the gap between business and labor and for providing a detailed roadmap for businesses to adopt “good jobs” strategies. It has directly influenced policies in multiple cities, including Chicago, Seattle, and San Francisco.

The Technology Fallacy is Ton's second book, which was published in 2019. In it, she breaks down the “tech” vs. “people” dichotomy, arguing that technology cannot replace people. She emphasizes that while technology can help automate certain tasks, it can also hinder creativity and collaboration. Rather than “replacing” employees with tech, her book argues that companies should embrace technologies that help employees reach their fullest potential.

The Technology Fallacy has also been subject to critical acclaim. Through her work, Ton promotes an evidence-based approach to technology, which enables people to focus on what matters most-creating good jobs and supporting diverse teams.

Through her writing and speaking, Zeynep Ton remains a vocal proponent of workplace equity and tech integration. Her books offer a comprehensive approach to creating equitable and productive workplaces. If you’re looking for an insightful and inspiring read, Zeynep Ton’s work is worth exploring.