The Essential Checklist to Create a Living Handbook for Remote Teams
For distributed teams in the AI age, a robust living handbook is a non-negotiable that can save millions. Whether you’re starting from scratch or redesigning an outdated resource, here’s my guide to the process. Refer to the complete guide to building a living handbook for detailed recommendations.
0: Start today
- Set up a bucket: a shared folder for dumping information into. Make sure anyone can add to the folder.
- Block off some time with key stakeholders to discuss this project. Have them read the guide to building a handbook first.
1: Start simple—use what you already have
Put together a team to audit your existing written information: emails, documents, spreadsheets. Collect anything that might belong in a handbook, by copying it into your shared folder.
2: Choose the right tool for your company’s size
Take the time to research carefully and choose a tool that’s tech-forward and will evolve with you. While there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, try these recommendations for small, medium & large organizations.
3: Organize your information
Sort your information into a general structure that reflects your company’s working patterns, such as:
- Company information (org chart, mission, values, leadership)
- Onboarding & training
- Essential employment resources (policies, workplace information, HR documents)
- Culture & team building (internal communications, events, team profiles)
- SOPs and playbooks
4: Make a plan to keep knowledge fresh
Your knowledgebase should be a living resource. Set your permissions so everyone can contribute, and assign ownership and a review cadence.
5: Measure & assess
Identify and track both direct metrics within your tool, and indirect outcomes such as productivity and satisfaction.
