PLAYBOOK: SHAPE UP YOUR STORIES IN SIXTY SECONDS
EMPLOYEE HANDBOOK
An employee handbook is your go-to guide for outlining company policies, procedures, culture, and expectations. It’s a crucial tool for ensuring consistency across the board and reinforcing your company’s values.
-
THE GOAL
Share your mission and outline your company’s customs, policies, and values with a comprehensive employee handbook that helps shape a brand culture people want to belong to. The handbook should serve as both a practical resource and a reflection of your company’s identity.
THE STRATEGY
-
DO
Clearly define policies—Lay out key policies like code of conduct, attendance, and performance expectations to keep everyone on the same page. This ensures that all employees understand the standards they are expected to uphold.
Reflect company culture—Use the handbook to reinforce your company’s culture and values, helping employees align with your mission. The tone and content should embody what makes your company unique.
Consider interactive handbooks—Going digital with a handbook that’s easy to navigate and update can be more engaging and allows for quicker updates when policies change.
-
DON't
Don't use jargon—Keep the language simple and easy for all employees to understand. Clear communication is critical to ensuring that everyone can follow and apply the guidelines.
Don't overload with information. Summarize essential policies and guidelines—too much detail can overwhelm your crew. Focus on what employees need to know to perform their roles effectively. Link to the whole (online) policies for those who want or need to dive into the details.
Don't confuse the crew—Rather than having multiple outdated printed versions flying around, one online version can efficiently act as a single source of truth. Discussion on how to apply for time off? Whatever the online version says goes.
THE Creative Essentials
-
DO
Use an engaging tone—Make the handbook approachable by using a tone that reflects your company’s culture. Think magazine, not manual or rulebook. The goal is to make the content inviting and relatable, encouraging employees to engage.
Include visuals—Break up the text with images, charts, and infographics to make the info easier to digest. Visual elements can help illustrate key points and make the handbook more visually appealing.
Include examples—State real-life examples to clarify your mission, vision, and values. Concrete examples help employees understand how abstract concepts play out in day-to-day work.
-
DON'T
Don't make it static—Regularly update the handbook to reflect changes in policies or company direction. An outdated handbook can lead to confusion and inconsistency.
Don't ignore legal compliance—Ensure all policies comply with relevant laws and regulations. Legal accuracy is crucial to protect both the company and its employees.
Don't skip the personal touch—Incorporate stories, employee highlights, or messages from leadership to make the handbook feel more personal and less corporate.
Share your mission and outline your company’s customs, policies, and values with a comprehensive employee handbook that helps shape a brand culture people want to belong to.