CREATIVE WORKOUT:
A helping hand for handbooks
Unlock your creativity in 4 simple steps:
We’ve all seen them: employee handbooks that read like legal docs and feel as fun as a loading bar. This week let’s unpack and undo that.
Your mission:
Reimagine the employee handbook as something surprising, useful and actually fun.
Step 1: Fix it
Is the handbook too long, too dull, or hard to find?
Does it reflect who you are as an organisation?
What would make it more human, engaging, and helpful?
Step 2: Theme it
What if your handbook was:
A comic book starring your people?
A musical-inspired tour of work life?
Or something unique to your culture?
Let the idea guide the tone, structure and style.
Step 3: Format it
This doesn’t have to be one static doc.
Think: videos, chatbots, posters, playlists. Whatever fits the concept.
Pick ‘N’ Mix rich formats to deliver info in memorable ways.
Step 4: Name it
Give your handbook a name that fits its idea.
So more….
‘The New Starter’s Field Manual’ less
‘Employee_Handbook_final v11.2.’
EXAMPLE:
Island inspiration
A survival guide to your company as a tropical island.
Think Bear Grylls meets onboarding: clickable maps, comic strips, podcast tips from “local explorers,” and a scroll-style checklist.
Name:
The Field Guide to our culture Island
How to survive (and thrive) in your first 99.5 days.
Playful, yes, but packed with practical info new hires actually want.
Fix the flaws. Spark curiosity. Make the mundane magical. Let’s see your most unforgettable handbook remix.
Not up for a handbook remix?
Apply the thinking to something else.
INSPO WARMDOWN:
Seriously funny cereal…
Take a look at how Surreal Cereal flips LinkedIn’s serious tone on its head with absurd, witty posts, providing humour in an unexpected place.
Image via Surreal Cereal on LinkedIn
