What is it & How to Create an Impactful One for Employees 2022

Have you ever sat through an hour-long meeting that could have easily been an email? We’ve all been there, right? We can all unanimously agree that it is neither productive nor efficient in any way. On the contrary, all it leads to is precious time being wasted.

But when there is a new task or job that you have to deal with, you obviously need the necessary information and instructions required to complete it.

While meetings may be a great way to provide instructions for an entirely new task, a written document or handout with clear guidelines and steps is the best way to ensure that everyone is on the same page (literally)!

Here is where job aids become handy tools of communication and you should create one if wish to create a clear path for your employees to follow.

So in this blog, we will help you learn what a job aid is and how to create an effective one! Ready for this? Then dive right in!

 

What is a Job Aid? (Definition)

What is a Job Aid exactly? A job aid includes any materials that help in providing information in an easily understandable manner about the ways to perform any given task. They are simply a set of clear instructions on how to do tasks.

Usually, job aids are printed documents. But they can come in the form of a digital PDF file, image, video, or even a smartphone app. And typically, they are a page or less in length.

A job aid can be anything from handouts to cheat sheets, instructional lists, diagrams, one-pagers, memory joggers, and performance support materials. Essentially, they are designed to prevent or reduce avoidable mistakes in the workplace and remind employees to finish their tasks the correct way.

Though not plainly obvious, job aids are an integral part of any organization, as they boost efficiency and productivity. Well-drafted job aids improve performance, boost positive change, and save time, which in the long run creates efficiencies and saves resources.

To create an impactful job aid for employees, it must be concise, crisp, simple, straightforward, and most importantly, visually appealing.

Want to know how to create an impactful one? Follow the tips mentioned below!

 

How To Create Impactful Job Aids For Employees? (step-by-step guide)

Step 1. Know Your Target Audience

Job aids must cater to your target audience and must be crafted to suit the specific set of employees. Not everyone has the same capacity when it comes to learning, so you have to craft your job aid knowing what level your audience stands at.

In order to do so, conducting a deep dive is the first order of business. You can get to know your target audience over a light meeting (online or in person) or conduct interviews to gather better information. Online research can help you understand your audience demographics.

Armed with a thorough knowledge of your target audience, you get an overall understanding of your audience and how to ensure that your job aid can communicate the right message.

 

Step 2. Focus on the Content

As mentioned before, job aids by nature are simple guidelines to assist employees. So, it can’t be long winded paragraphs of ‘What to Dos’. Instructions should always adhere to the golden word ‘concise’.

With the information provided in a straightforward manner, content is more important than ever. Whatever word that makes it on the job aid page must be chosen carefully and with intent.

Filler words take up unnecessary space. So, focus on the key points, say only what needs to be said, and remember to keep it brisk.

 Read More: Best Content Creation Software To Attract Your Target Audience with Ease!

 

Step 3. Format! Format! Format!

Choosing the right format can make a world of difference. So once you are well versed in your target audience and have streamlined the content you want to include, you need to decide on the format that you want to use.

Now, there exists quite a plethora of choices – but it is better to stick to the basics and choose the most commonly used ones. This is because familiarity is key. There is no point in choosing a ‘stylish’ format that serves no purpose and makes the job aid look complicated.

You can either choose an easy: ‘Step by Step Process’, or the classic ‘Flowchart’. Depending on your content, you can also use a ‘Checklist’ format and in some cases, the ‘Worksheet’ format can keep the job aid looking clean. ‘Decision Tables’ can be utilized as grid formats to divide up content really well. ‘Reference Guides’ can also be used, but it is better only when employees are already familiar with the procedure.

 

Step 4. Appealing Aesthetics

Keeping it simple does not have to equate to boring. A job aid can have both quality and visual appeal. Both content and graphics go hand in hand in order to craft a great job aid. A set of instructions that are on point has no meaning if the person reading it cannot understand the graphics. Hence, the content as well as the aesthetics should be satisfactory.

To do this, you need to choose a theme. The overall design should be consistent. Avoid clashing colors and stick to 2 or 3. Make sure the font you use is readable – both in font size as well as design.

There is also no shame in using pre-made templates because not all of us have the talent or the time to design from scratch. Here’s where you need to check out Bit’s plethora of ready-to-use templates! We’ll talk more about Bit in the next section, so keep on reading!

 

Step 5. Test it Out

Once you’re satisfied with your work, it’s smart to test it out before you put it to actual use. Conducting a survey to get feedback is really helpful because you can then assess what is amiss and the areas that need improvement.

Feedback will reveal whether certain steps were clear, whether you should add or remove information, whether your instructions need reordering etc. With constructive criticism, you can further improve and revise till you deem it satisfactory or effective.

Now that you are well-versed in writing a good job aid, here’s a tool that can make the whole writing process easier and smoother2022-11-14 13:42:03posthttps://technobazzbd.com/what-is-it-how-to-create-an-impactful-one-for-employees-2022/

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