Milton Stultz

How To Write An Employee Handbook

This article contains a number of helpful hints to support you in the process of writing an employee handbook but above all remember that it should be accessible to all members of staff, so try to consider this as you develop the content.

Avoid Jargon

Employee handbooks should be easy to understand so avoid using jargon or corporate buzz words without explanation. If it is a technical job and a good grounding in corporate jargon is essential then ensure that you explain any terms clearly and provide a glossary of terms at the back of the handbook for quick reference.

Adopt a Step by Step Approach

Employee handbooks need to follow a logical structure and basic concepts should be introduced first before moving on to more complex topics. Adopting a step by step approach enables the employee to work through the stages in a logical fashion in their minds and helps them to understand processes and procedures better. Make sure you include each step without missing any key aspects out and use numbers to differentiate between each step in the process.

Keep it Clear and Concise

Try to avoid long rambling paragraphs but rather ensure that information is presented in a clear and concise manner. Try to use short paragraphs to make the handbook quick and easy to refer to Employee Handbook translation.

Spelling and Formatting

Ensure that the handbook is appropriately checked for spelling and grammatical errors, remember that this will be seen by all employees!

Use a font size of at least 12 so that the handbook is easy to read especially as older employees or individuals with visual impairments may struggle with smaller font sizes. Even better ensure that there is a large print version available if required.

Ask New Staff What to Include

If you have any staff that have been in the organisation for less than 6 months, then get their opinion concerning what would have been helpful to them in an employee handbook. They are likely to be the most useful source of information.