A new employee’s book. How to create it for a publishing house

A new employee’s book is an important step towards integrating newcomers into a company successfully. It reduces stress, makes adaptation easier and helps people be productive from their very first days, which is why it has to be written, laid out and designed properly. Below is the structure of a new employee’s book, section by section.

Part 1. General information

• A greeting from the CEO. A letter from the head of the company with a warm welcome and thanks for choosing to work there. It helps newcomers feel part of a big team from the first day.
• Information about the first day. Detailed instructions for arriving at the office: who to contact and where to find what you need. A plan for the first day, including meetings with colleagues and a tour of the office, helps a new person feel more confident.
• The history of the company and key facts. A short history with the key dates and achievements, so that new employees understand where they have come to work, plus the important stages in the development of the company and its place in the publishing market.
• The main products and services. A description of what the company offers, so that new employees know exactly what is produced here, together with information about the target audience and the market the company works in.
• Mission, values and corporate culture. A description of the mission, the values and the principles of the company, so that newcomers understand its goals, along with information about the working culture, what is expected of employees and the rules of conduct.
• Organisational structure. A chart of the organisational structure with photographs of the key people, so that a newcomer can find his way around the team easily. Contact details for colleagues help him reach the right person quickly.
• A map of the office. A detailed plan showing the key areas – the offices, the kitchen, the rest areas – so that employees can find their way around the new space.
• Organisational matters. Information about passes, getting stationery and the rules for using office equipment, which saves a lot of unnecessary questions, together with the company policy on lunch and breaks, so that newcomers can plan their working day.
• The main company holidays. Traditional corporate events and celebrations. New employees should know when and how the company marks their achievements, so list the important events and the way they are celebrated.

Part 2. Information about the position

Working hours

• A description of the standard working hours, including any flexible schedule options.
• Information about lunch breaks and holidays, which avoids misunderstandings.

Duties and responsibilities

• A detailed list of the key tasks and responsibilities.
• The expectations for the role and the criteria by which it is assessed, so that a newcomer knows exactly how his work will be evaluated.

Working with other departments

• A chart showing how the role interacts with the other teams and departments, so that a newcomer understands who he will be working with.
• Contact details for the key people involved, which makes communication easier.

A plan for the first month

• Concrete tasks and goals for the first month of work.
• The expected results and the criteria for success, so that it is clear what is expected.

Goal setting systems

• A description of the project management systems in use, for example Jira, which helps newcomers get used to the company’s tools quickly.
• Instructions for working with those systems, which again saves unnecessary questions.

Reporting

• The rules for reporting on the work done, so that a newcomer understands how to report properly.
• How often reports are submitted and in what format.

The system of motivation

• Information about bonuses, premiums and other forms of motivation, so that newcomers understand what rewards their work can bring.
• A description of the criteria for receiving them, so that it is clear what earns a bonus.

A development map for employees

• The opportunities for training and professional development.
• The career plan and the paths to promotion, so that newcomers know how they can move forward.

Common mistakes

• A description of the mistakes beginners typically make, which helps a newcomer avoid them and settle in faster.
• Advice on how to avoid them and learn from the experience of others, which spares newcomers unpleasant situations and speeds up their adaptation.

A printed new employee’s book is an important tool for any publishing house. It helps new people adapt quickly, understand the culture of the company and do their work effectively. Follow the structure above and you will produce a well made, informative book that becomes a valuable resource for your new colleagues.