5 Mistakes Every Employee Handbook Makes How To Avoid Them
Ever dream of having an employee handbook that feels like a trusty sidekick for your staff? You’re not alone. Many companies hope for this, yet often end up with a handbook that’s as engaging as a tax form. Shockingly, around 60% of employees don’t even bother reading theirs! That’s wild, considering how crucial this document is during onboarding. If you want to sidestep the usual pitfalls, it might be worth roping in an HR guru or a sharp-eyed lawyer to give your handbook a once-over. They’re great at spotting those sneaky bits that could be misread or even just plain outdated.
Mistake No. 1: Overloading with Walls of Text
It’s a curious phenomenon. When writing a handbook, creativity often takes a nosedive, leaving behind tedious blocks of text that could rival War and Peace. But here's the thing – nobody has the patience for that. It’s the quickest way to ensure your handbook is used more as a paperweight than a useful resource. Engage your readers, or they’ll be skimming faster than you can say “policy manual.”
Solution
Break it up! Use headers, bullet points, and lists to make the content digestible. And hey, don’t shy away from adding a few images and videos. They can turn your document from a snooze-fest into something that actually keeps people's interest.
Mistake No. 2: One Size Fits None
Some companies think one massive handbook fits all. But that just means employees are wading through pages of irrelevant info. The outcome? They lose interest and assume the whole thing’s not for them anyway.
Solution
Consider creating tailored handbooks for different roles or departments. It’s like giving each team their own special guide – less fluff, more useful stuff. Envision a unique handbook just for the marketing team, for instance. Include:
- A welcoming note from the head of marketing to connect with newcomers.
- A video tour of the marketing department.
- A “meet the team” section, complete with fun facts and headshots.
- Relevant marketing policies and procedures.
- Insider tips and tricks on marketing best practices.
- A warm send-off encouraging success in their new role.
Apply this same personalized approach across the board and watch your engagement levels rise.
Mistake No. 3: Letting Your Handbook Gather Dust
Seems obvious, right? Yet, a staggering number of small businesses keep outdated handbooks, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The handbook gets signed off on day one and then... poof, forgotten. Once printed, updates become a hassle, leading to irrelevant policies and procedures. And let’s be honest – what good is an outdated handbook to anyone?
Solution
Make it a priority to review your handbook regularly. Set a recurring date to update any stale information. Better yet, transition to an online platform like AirMason, where updates are a breeze and instantly accessible to everyone. Employees can peek at the handbook from their phones, tablets, or desktops, keeping the info fresh and always at their fingertips.
Mistake No. 4: Drowning in Legalese
Sending your team a handbook filled with legal jargon is like asking them to read a foreign language. They’re hired to do specific jobs, not decipher legal speak. Many companies paste in legal text without considering how it reads or connects with their brand voice, which is a big no-no.
Solution
Rewrite those policies in simple, clear language. Focus on how these guidelines actually work in the daily lives of your employees. Summarize key points in plain terms, then guide employees to where the full version lives for when they need more detail. This way, they’re not forced to slog through mind-numbing text just to get the gist.
Mistake No. 5: Being Mind-Numbingly Boring
One of the biggest blunders is producing a handbook that’s, well, a total snooze-fest. Think black and white text, no visuals, and language that’s dry as toast. If your handbook isn’t engaging, why would anyone bother?
Solution
Think of your handbook like a product you’re marketing internally.
- Design: How’s it laid out? Does it look appealing? Is it on-brand and eye-catching?
- Imagery: Which pictures or videos will drive home your points? Where do they fit best?
- Language: Is your tone of voice consistent with how you talk to your staff? Is it friendly, professional, or perhaps a bit humorous?
- Story: What narrative does your handbook tell? Does it flow logically?
By weaving in these strategies, your handbook becomes something employees will actually want to read. At AirMason, we’re all about killing off dull handbooks and boosting employee engagement through dynamic, user-friendly designs. If you’re ready to level up your handbook, reach out to one of our experts for some friendly advice.