Every company needs a handbook – yes, even a startup. Company handbooks provide employees with the necessary guidelines, rules and regulations they need to follow, provide important information about the business, and are a handy reference tool for staff members to turn to when they’re unsure of a corporate policy.

As such, creating company handbook is an absolute must – but that doesn’t mean your handbook has to be boring. Here are a few ways to make the lifeless-sounding document as progressive and fun as your business:

 

Give it a personality

Just because it’s a corporate tool does not mean that it has to be dull. Instead of using business jargon, write the copy using your brand voice or in a conversational manner. Make the content match your vision for the culture of your office – if that’s buttoned-up and professional, wonderful. But if it’s not, then have some fun with it: throw in jokes and pop culture references, get creative with headings, and make it as short or long as you see fit.

 

Embrace Colour

Though black and white is classic for a reason, there’s an entire colour wheel for a reason, too. So don’t be afraid to add some vibrant hues to your company handbook. whether you want to go neon or pastel or earth-toned, choosing colours that vibe with your corporate branding or the interior design of your office will jazz up the pages.

 

Add Visual Appeal

You don’t have to limit the creative juices when it comes to design – feel free to add in visual elements, images, infographics and typography. Making your company handbook visually appealing will ensure that your staff not just reads it, but enjoys it.

 

Send it Digitally

There’s no reason to spend money on printing and binding costs or your precious time wielding a stapler or hole punch. If you’d prefer to have the document be digital-only, then set it up, PDF it, and park it on a shared server or where it can be easily accessed by everyone. Done and done.

Though a company handbook is a critical document that your team will need to onboard new employees and use as a reference throughout their time with your business, there’s no need to stress about it too much. Keep it true to who you are and what your company is and include the information your staff members need – that’s really all you need!