Gather all the content

For overflowing closets, Kondo suggests you first gather all your clothes in one place. When writing your handbook:

• Brainstorm a list of topics you want to address (benefits, dress code, paid time off, core hours, etc.)
• Create or compile the source material for each topic

Assess the value of each component

Kondo suggests you ask yourself if each item of clothing sparks joy. For your handbook, ask yourself: Does this help employees? Only include core information and provide links to additional resources (like required legal disclosures and disclaimers).

Of course legal language doesn’t spark much joy for anyone. But remember, to protect the company, all employees must have access to its legal information.

Arrange the information intentionally

Kondo teaches her clients how to fold and arrange clothes properly. The idea is to position your clothes well, so items are visible at a glance. Crafting a handbook should follow a similar approach.

First, think about how you want employees to experience the handbook. ​

There are only five ways to organize information. Use the acronym LATCH (Location, Alphabetical, Category, Time, Hierarchy) to remember how. For an employee handbook, we suggest you arrange by category. Categories allow you to group related topics so employees can find and reference information. For example, group topics such as retirement savings, disability and health insurance under “Benefits.”

To make your handbook even more user-friendly, include navigation like:

• A table of contents
• An index
• Headings and subheadings
• Colors to represent key topics (green for compensation, blue for benefits, etc.)
• Clickable links, drop-down menus and pop-ups