How to Write an Operations Manual [+ Template]

You've been tasked with writing an operations manual for your organization. An operations manual ensures that work tasks, processes, procedures, etc., are crystal clear for employees (and reduces confusion!). 

But writing an operations manual can be challenging if you don't have a solid writing process to follow. Here's how to carefully plan and create this internal document. We also share a company operations manual template to help you simplify the process. 

Operations manual definition

An operations manual is an internal document that outlines important business information and how a company should operate.

Unlike an employee handbook that shares more about a company's culture and benefits, an operations manual covers the day-to-day details of business operations. Employees need to know who is responsible for what, departmental contact details, the different company roles, steps for different procedures, and what to do in emergencies. 

It typically includes the following information:

• Manual purpose
• Company hierarchy
• Contact information
• Procedures & processes
• Business policies
• Emergency procedures & processes

The length of the document depends on the company. Smaller companies might only need an operations manual that's a few pages, while larger companies need a thick manual. 

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Benefits of using an operations manual

Employees are going to have questions about their roles. Or they aren't going to know how to complete a task correctly.

An operations manual ensures you can immediately point employees to the right answers and processes are documented clearly. Consider it a one-stop shop for vital company information. This efficiency helps with three things:

1. Consistency

Make sure that tasks and responsibilities are carried out the same way every time with your manual. Even if key employees leave the company, their knowledge doesn't leave with them! Co-workers still understand what needs to be done. 

This also gives employees the "why" behind what they do at work. According to author Michael E. Gerber, “[An operations manual] communicates to the new employees as well as the old, that there is a logic to the world in which they have chosen to work."

2. Accountability 

Employees are accountable for their actions with an operations manual as it clearly shows who is responsible for what and how tasks are supposed to be completed.

An operations manual tells employees, "This is how we do things." It leaves little room for employees to say, "I didn't know what I was supposed to do or who I should talk to." This also reduces liability, improves safety, and avoids costly mistakes. 

3. Scalability

When you can implement the same processes and procedures consistently, your company can better scale or grow and take advantage of franchising or new location opportunities. Easily onboard and train new employees, and avoid wasting unnecessary time and money.

Where to start when writing an operations manual 

An operations manual ensures that your company's operations can be referenced and replicated. Here's how to create an operations manual, step-by-step.

Step #1: Pick a format

An operations manual doesn't have to be in one particular format as long as it's a centralized location for company operation information. However, you want this manual to stay up-to-date and be accessible. A physical book or mini-booklet requires regular reprinting as your company grows. 

Consider a digital file or library that can be easily updated and shared with employees. Choose the format that best fits your audience's needs. 

Step #2: Create an outline or concept map based on your audience

Determine who will read the operations manual. Who is your audience? What information will they need? Once you've answered these questions, map out the exact information that will go into your operations manual. Planning the information beforehand will make drafting much easier and ensure you don't have an inadequate operations manual. 

An outline is a hierarchal way to present information. Use headings and bullet points to map out your manual's sections and main points. Or create a concept map. A concept map is a visual way to map out technical information. Here's an example from MindMeister:

[Source]

Collaborate with colleagues as you create your outline or concept map to ensure that you agree on the details. Here are the sections we recommend including and why:

1. Introduction

Briefly introduce the reader to what information is included in the manual, how to use the document, and what they can expect from using it. 

2. Purpose

Summarize the manual's purpose: to guide employees through their work responsibilities, to understand how to complete different day-to-day tasks properly and efficiently, and know who to contact for questions. 

3. Company hierarchy 

Map out your company's hierarchy from top to bottom. Write down the different job titles. Consider creating an organizational chart like the one below as a visual for employees. Ensure that employees can clearly see who reports to who.

[Source]

4. Job descriptions & contact info

Take the job titles from the "Company Hierarchy" section and elaborate on the job descriptions. Include the following information:

• • Job title
  • Job purpose
  • Job roles, duties, and responsibilities
  • Qualifications

Add the names, positions, and contact details of the employees who currently work in each position. Other co-workers then know who does what and how to contact them. 

5. Business processes, procedures, and policies 

Get ready for the bulk of your manual with process documentation, business procedures, and business policies! Write thorough descriptions and step-by-step instructions for completing business tasks. 

For process documentation and procedures, flowcharts and process maps can be helpful in presenting different steps. Here's an example of a recruitment process flow chart:

[Source]

Map out the exact processes and procedures that employees need to follow. Use headings, bullets, and sub-bullets to present steps clearly. 

For business policies, write down how your company handles certain situations. Note: a business policy is not the same as a social policy. A social policy includes things like vacation policies and time off. A business policy includes things like giving different pricing discounts for business owners based on the size of the customer's business. 

6. Emergency processes & procedures

What should employees do in emergencies, such as a fire or breached servers? Be proactive and write down the exact steps employees should take if emergencies occur to limit damages. 

Make a list of potential emergencies. This list doesn't have to be exhaustive but do consider likely scenarios. Next, write down what employees should do. For example, here's an emergency procedure excerpt from Ohio University's Emergency Procedures Manual in case of a fire:

FIRE EMERGENCY

If Fire Alarm is Activated.

• • • Evacuate building immediately; closing all doors behind you.
    • DO NOT try to save files, belongings, or equipment.
    • DO NOT go to the basement.
    • DO NOT use elevators.
    • Help people with disabilities leave building, if possible.
    • Proceed to designated meeting point at least 300 feet away from the building.
    • If you activated the fire alarm, meet with Fire or Police personnel to identify the location
    • of smoke or fire.
    • If You Discover a Fire
    • Evacuate building immediately.
    • DO NOT use elevators.
    • Activate the closest fire alarm as you exit, if possible.
    • Call 911.
    • Use fire extinguisher ONLY IF trained on its proper use.

Write down each step for emergency response, even if they seem intuitive to you. 

Step #3: Write the operations manual

Use your detailed content plan to draft the entire operations manual. Remember that your reader is the center of the action. Write to meet their needs.

Here are a few tips for creating a reader-focused operations manual:

• Keep it short. 

  You can still write detailed descriptions, but take the time to make the document as concise and clear as possible. This helps with reader understanding.
  
  

• Use precise words and short sentences.

  No need to use technical words. Write in easy-to-understand language and short sentences. 
  
  

• Ensure visuals are easy to understand.

  If your document includes visuals such as graphics or tables, ensure that they make sense and enhance reader engagement. Also, make sure they aren't blurry and are appropriately labeled.
  
  

• Follow a style guide.

  A style guide helps you write in a particular style. It provides a set of standards or writing rules/recommendations for the tone, grammar, and structure of a technical document. If your company doesn't already follow a particular one (e.g., AP Stylebook), here's a list of technical writing style guides to consider.
  
  

• Cut the jargon.

  You might have a technical background and understand certain terms, but your reader might not. Avoid jargon and spell out terms, abbreviations, and meanings.
  
  

• Include a table of contents. 

  Make it easy for employees to find the information they need. 

As a final step, edit your manual. Ask for input from your colleagues and the legal team to ensure the document is comprehensive and accurate. Revise as needed.

Here's an example of a fully-written manual with the sections we outlined. Although we recommend adding more white space, such as between bulky bullet points, this doc does provide a nice guideline. 

Operations Manual Template

Company operations and employees are consistently changing. Audit your manual at least every six months to ensure it's up-to-date and accurate. 

Click the link to access our free downloadable operation manual template.

This template is a great tool to kickstart the creation of your operation manual and is best used alongside this article.

Just remember: let the writing process drive the template and not the other way around. Think critically about the audience, the content you're including, and the order in which you place it. Keep your reader's needs top of mind and don't place something in a certain place or leave out details  "because I was following the template."

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