Why printed handbooks still matter on site
An employee handbook is more than a policy pack. It gives new staff a proper start, helps supervisors answer the same questions quickly, and keeps important rules close at hand when systems are down or internet access is patchy. In Johannesburg, Pretoria, the East Rand and outlying branches, a printed copy is still useful where teams move between shifts, store rooms, production floors and admin offices.
Printing House supplies handbooks for induction packs, permanent staff files, contractor onboarding and reference copies for line managers. For businesses with multiple sites, printed books make it easier to keep the same version in circulation so that leave rules, disciplinary steps, health and safety notes and contact chains are read the same way by everyone.
Sizes, page counts and binding choices
Most handbook projects are printed in A5 or A4, depending on how much detail needs to fit on each page and how portable the book must be. A5 works well for induction packs and training folders, while A4 is better for documents that include forms, charts, policies and sign-off pages. We also produce custom sizes where a client wants a tighter format for filing or a larger format for wall-adjacent use in offices and control rooms.
Binding is selected by page count and how the handbook will be used. Saddle stitching suits slimmer books, perfect binding suits mid-range handbooks, and case binding is preferred where the book will be used often over many months. Section sewing is useful for heavier handbooks that need to open well and hold together under regular handling. Cover lamination and foil finishing can be added for a cleaner presentation and better wear resistance.
- A5 for induction packs and compact reference guides
- A4 for full policy manuals, HR packs and compliance documents
- Saddle stitch for shorter runs, perfect binding for medium books
- Case binding or section sewing for high-use handbooks
What to include in a staff handbook
The best handbooks are practical and easy to find your way through. We often see clients include a welcome note, company values, employment terms, attendance rules, leave procedures, code of conduct, disciplinary process, grievance steps, health and safety notes, emergency contacts and sign-off pages. If the handbook is for a site with shift work, add shift patterns, overtime rules, PPE guidance and access control notes. For multi-branch businesses, it helps to include branch-specific contacts and procedures too.
If you are printing for a regulated workplace, such as food handling, logistics or light manufacturing, include the versions that staff actually use on the floor. Keep the wording simple, with clear headings and enough white space so the document does not feel cramped. A handbook that is easy to read gets used more often than one that looks impressive but is hard to follow.
- Induction notes for new starters
- HR policies and sign-off pages
- Health and safety procedures
- Shift rules, leave and attendance
Print specification that suits everyday use
Employee handbooks need clean text, steady page alignment and colours that reproduce properly across the full run. We handle offset printing for larger quantities and flexo printing where the job calls for a more specific production setup. Before print, we run prepress checks and colour proofing so that headings, logos, tables and small type hold together properly. That matters when a document has section tabs, shaded boxes or fine rules around forms.
For the inner pages, uncoated or matte stocks are often easiest to read under office and factory lighting. Covers are commonly printed on heavier board with lamination for better handling. If the handbook will sit in a loading bay, training room or near coastal humidity, a tougher cover finish helps prevent curling and scuffing. We can also add die cutting for tabs or special cover shapes where the layout requires it.
Ordering the right version the first time
Before you place an order, check that the content is final, the version date is visible and the approval chain is signed off. It is worth confirming page count, final size, binding choice, cover finish and whether any pages must be printed single-sided for notes or signatures. If your handbook needs forms that staff must complete, tell us where those pages sit so the print sequence and binding can be planned correctly.
Also check how many copies each branch needs. A head office may only need a small batch, while a site in Industria or Midrand might need more for supervisors, HR and induction room stock. If the handbook will be updated often, ask about a format that allows replacement pages or reprints without changing the whole book.
- Confirm the latest approved content before print
- Check if the handbook needs signatures or record pages
- Choose a binding that matches page count and handling
- Order enough copies for inductions, offices and spare stock
Delivery, use on site and basic care
Printing House delivers handbooks nationwide, with regular supply into Johannesburg Central, Sandton, Randburg, Roodepoort, Midrand, Pretoria and the East Rand. No installation, power or gas supply is needed for the printed product itself, only a dry storage area and a clean handover point for receiving stock. For sites with limited space, we can pack books by department, branch or induction class so they are easier to issue on arrival.
To keep the books in good condition, store them flat in a dry room away from direct sun, chemical splash and standing water. Avoid leaving large stacks next to loading doors where dust and damp air can get in. If handbooks are used in a busy production setting, a laminated cover and sturdier binding will hold up better to daily handling. Reordering is straightforward when you keep the same page count and version details on record.
Key facts
| Product type | Printed employee handbooks for induction, HR policy and workplace reference |
|---|---|
| Common sizes | A5, A4 and custom sizes |
| Page range | Short guides to extended manuals, depending on content and binding |
| Binding options | Saddle stitch, perfect binding, case binding, section sewing |
| Finishing options | Cover lamination, foil finishing, die cutting, packing and dispatch |
| Supply area | Based in Industria, Johannesburg with nationwide delivery |
| Power or gas needs | None for the finished printed handbook |
