Guide · Training & Workplace Learning · By the AutoScribble Team · Published 22 September 2026
How to turn an employee handbook into onboarding videos
Short answer
Identify the handbook sections that matter in a new starter's first week, turn each into a 90-second to two-minute whiteboard video using the section text as the source, and have HR approve each script. Send the series before day one and keep the handbook as the full reference.
Who this guide is for
HR teams, people operations and managers onboarding new starters. It's part of our training & workplace learning resources.
What you'll need
- The current employee handbook
- The first-week checklist
- HR contact for sign-off
Step by step
- 1
Prioritise the first week
Pay dates, working hours, holiday booking, IT, who to ask. Leave grievance procedures to the handbook.
- 2
One section per video
Keep each video to one question: ‘How do I book holiday?’
- 3
Write in second person
‘You'll get paid on the last working day…’ feels welcoming.
- 4
HR approval
Check the script against the current handbook and contract terms.
- 5
Send before day one
Include links in the offer or welcome email.
Illustrative onboarding series
| Video | Handbook section | Length |
|---|---|---|
| Welcome and our values | §1 | 90s |
| Your first week | §2 | 2 min |
| Pay, pensions and payslips | §4 | 90s |
| Booking holiday and reporting sickness | §5–6 | 2 min |
| Expenses | §8 | 90s |
| Who to ask | §12 | 60s |
Illustrative example written for this guide.
Copy the AutoScribble prompt
Complete prompt
Turn the handbook section below into a 90-second landscape whiteboard video for new starters at [company]. Use only what the text says, write in a friendly second-person voice, draw each step as a numbered stage, and finish with who to ask if they're unsure. [Paste handbook section here]
Common mistakes
- One long video covering the whole handbook
- Stating terms that differ from contracts
- Not updating videos when the handbook changes
Review before publishing
- Matches current handbook and contracts
- Contact names or roles are right
- HR has approved
Questions
Can I upload the videos to our HR system or LMS?
Yes, as MP4 files you upload yourself. There's no native HR-system or SCORM integration.
Should the handbook still be signed?
Yes. The videos help people understand it; they don't replace the formal document.