Employee Handbook
Our story
An authentic company story can engage new employees on many levels. Use this to introduce the company history and excite your new hires (1-2 paragraphs). This may include:
- What’s the history of your company?
- How did your idea come to life?
- Why did you/the founder start this organization?
Company mission
A well-crafted mission statement serves as a framework giving everyone involved a launching point to build from when establishing the company. A mission should tell: Why the company exists? What makes them different? (2-3 paragraphs)
*Tips
Keep it short and concise while finding out why employees join the company. This could be your inspiration to write an effective company mission if you haven’t established one yet
About Us
Treat this as the elevator pitch to introduce your product/platform/service. Include the unique selling points and how they are different from competitors. Try a catch-phase to make a memorable ending. (3-5 sentences)
Some recommended sentences you may use:
- Company innovates __________________________
- Company simplifies/solves/eliminates _________ (industry headache/pain point)
- Company aims to transform ____________(current process or status quo)
*Tip: Use thesaurus! Choose the best wording that resonates with your employees
Logo
Behind every story is a powerful story. Explain what your logo stands for and how it was created to strengthen employee relationship with the company.
Our (Company) Values
In a business context, core values are the highest values that guide company’s actions, unites employees and define its brand. Generally, core values will answer one or all of these questions:
- What do we want our company to be known for?
- How will our values distinguish us from competitors?
- What qualities do we value in employees?
Examples from Airbnb: Champion the mission, be a host, simplify, every frame matters, be a ‘cereal’ entrepreneur, and embrace the adventure.
*Tips to define your core value
You should start with a brainstorming session which you invite a handful of people who understand and embody the traits you want your company to be known for. These could include the founder, CEO, and other company officers, but don’t forget to include some key employees too. Ask each participant to list what they think the company’s values are or should be.
New Hire Onboarding Plan & Checklists
Prepare for new hire:
☐Working station
☐Working materials
☐Onboarding plan or 30/60/90 days plan
☐System access and initial training
☐Lunch and welcome activities
☐Regular/monthly check-ins
☐[list activity]
☐[list activity]
☐[list activity]
Meet with your new hire
☐Provide an overview of the first week:
⁃First week highlights
⁃Set expectations
☐Introduce new hire to the team
☐Review company practices:
⁃Company structure
⁃Employee handbook
Ensure employee has access to tools
☐Intranet, doors, codes, locks
☐Employee ID badges
☐[list activity]
Check-in with new hire
☐How are they performing at work?
☐What can you do to assist them?
☐Anything they want to learn more?
☐[list question]
☐[list question]
Discuss performance management
☐Discuss your approach to feedback
☐Review performance criteria
☐Finalize individual goals and team goals
☐[list activity]
