With a plan and team in place, focus on writing, formatting, and structuring the manual for maximum engagement and navigability.
Writing Guidelines
- Start with a Consistent Template: Use the Step 1
outline as your foundation and create a template to ensure uniform
section titles and required details throughout.
- Write Clearly and Concisely: Adopt a
friendly, approachable tone and use active
voice and plain language. Avoid jargon. Since
employees will scan the document, use short paragraphs (2-4
sentences) and liberally employ bullet points and
subheadings to break up text.
- Organize Logically: Ease readers into the content. Start with the company’s training philosophy, list general policies, and then present the specific course catalog, grouped logically by category (e.g., Compliance, Technical Skills, Leadership).
Essential Course Details
Every course listing in the manual must provide clear expectations and value. Include the following for each program:
- Course Name & Overview: A brief summary of the
course content and its overall purpose.
- Learning Objectives/Outcomes: State what the
employee will know or be able to do after completion.
(e.g., “Resolve customer complaints effectively.”)
- Format & Schedule: Specify if it’s online,
live, blended, self-paced, or instructor-led. Note delivery dates or
timeframe requirements (e.g., “Must complete within 30 days”).
- Eligibility/Audience: Clearly state who the course
is for (e.g., New Hires, Managers, Optional for
all staff) and any prerequisites.
- Registration Process: Provide simple instructions on how to enroll (e.g., via LMS, manager approval, or self-enrollment).
Make it Engaging
A digital manual should leverage media to boost interest:
- Use Visuals: Include relevant
icons (e.g., a video camera for video content) or small
images next to text.
- Embed Media: Consider embedding a short CEO
welcome video or a 1-minute course preview
clip to convey enthusiasm and spark interest better than text
alone.
- Add Interactive Elements (If Platform Allows): Include a fun, low-stakes self-assessment quiz (e.g., “Which skill should you build next?”) to draw readers into exploring the course catalog.
Example Excerpt:
Customer Service 101 - Overview: Introductory course on core service principles, focusing on communication and satisfaction. Objective: You will be able to resolve common inquiries and turn unhappy customers into loyal fans. Format: 100% online, self-paced (approx. 2 hours). Who: Required for all new support staff. How to Enroll: Assigned automatically in the LMS.