Although an employee handbook essentially is a manual on how to behave in a company, it does not have to look like the classic black-and-white manual and describe only dry facts. Instead, it should be an engaging introduction to your corporate culture and values. If you want your employees to read it, make it readable.
The employee handbook is the first and often even the only document all your employees should read and follow. It is regularly updated, usually once a year, and re-circulated among the existing employees. It would be a shame not to use this opportunity to strengthen your staff's awareness about the corporate culture. Fastcompany.com offered some tips on how to do this.
1. Change the title
Every marketing beginner knows that titles sell. So your employee handbook needn't be entitled "Employee Handbook". Think of a title which will attract and motivate your employees to read it, while at the same time emphasising your values and culture. It may be, for example, "Team Guide" or a brochure entitled "This Is How We Do It".
2. Start with your mission
Every business should have its mission, namely the reason why employees should come to work every day with you rather than somewhere else. Your employee handbook should therefore start by explaining your mission and the values all your processes and procedures are based on.
3. Emphasise employee benefits
If you've invested in benefits programmes your staff will be involved in, let them know. Highlight this information at the very beginning of the handbook. The rest of the manual will focus on things your staff are required to do, so first show what you have to offer.
4. Personalise the boring procedures
The handbook should help your employees understand your values and apply them in practice. So instead of simply listing processes and procedures, describe the reasons behind them. Explain the point of your dress code, performance evaluation or remuneration. Add some faces from your workplaces. You can even add quizzes, competitions or various rewards for staff who read the manual.
5. Arrange a presentation
It would be a pity only to produce the handbook as a PDF and send by e-mail. Print it on real paper, in colour and in a readable form. Establish regular annual meetings to introduce the handbook officially to employees. Prepare a dignified presentation with all the pomp. Take it as an invitation to join the elite club your company represents.
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