Starting a new job in January, especially in London, can be a bit much at once. Cold mornings, short daylight hours, and post-holiday tiredness make it harder to get into a new routine. That is why having a clear, thoughtfully printed training manual really helps new starters feel comfortable and confident as soon as they arrive.
We have seen the benefits of investing time in planning out a proper guide, especially when supported by professional training manual printing. Whether it is for office roles, warehouse support, or customer-facing staff, a printed manual acts like a steady hand on the shoulder. It keeps information in one place and helps people settle in without feeling lost.
Welcome and Company Overview
The start of the training manual should feel warm and inviting. It is not just about facts. It is about helping someone feel they belong.
We suggest including the following parts near the beginning:
• A simple story about how the business began and what we care about
• A list of our main values and what they look like in action
• A short note from the manager, written in a friendly and human tone
It is also helpful to include a few practical tips that match the season. Many new hires start in winter, so a little guidance goes a long way, like where to hang a wet coat or grab a cuppa on a chilly morning.
Offering a quick map or layout of the building helps too. Marking out loos, lunch areas, or safe shortcuts around the site if it is icy is especially useful during colder months. These small pieces of information can save a lot of stress during that first week.
Role-Specific Expectations
A big part of settling in comes from knowing what is expected day to day. This section should break things up clearly and not overload the reader.
The best place to begin is with a straightforward list of duties. Here is what this could look like:
• A short overview of the main daily tasks
• Who to report to or check in with for that role
• Any key targets or ways of measuring progress
We find it is even better when we include example schedules or a “day in the life” to show how all the parts come together. Explaining why these tasks matter to the wider business also helps new starters feel like they have a purpose from the very beginning.
If things get confusing (which they sometimes do), this section should give information about where to get help. That might be a named person, a phone number, or a clear place to ask questions.
Tools, Systems, and How-Tos
This section is often the one people go back to again and again. It helps to keep instructions short and direct, and avoid anything too technical right away unless needed.
What we have found works well includes:
• Step-by-step instructions for setting up logins, emails, or time tracking
• A contact point for when access does not work or something breaks
• Printed images that point out what buttons or tabs to use
If we are using digital tools or specialised systems, adding screen captures helps a lot. Some people learn from text, others from visuals, so building both options into the manual makes things easier.
We want people to feel confident using the tools we rely on, even if they have never seen them before.
Health, Safety, and Onboarding Policies
Even though health and safety might not feel like the most exciting part of a manual, it needs to be clear from the start. During winter, especially in London where it can be wet and icy, a few key reminders can help prevent minor slips or bigger problems.
Include simple notes like:
• Dress warmly and in layers if travelling by public transport or walking to work
• Walkways and kitchens may be slippery, especially during early mornings
• Let someone know right away if there is a safety concern, no matter how small
We recommend breaking down longer policies into short sections written in everyday language. People should not need to read through pages of fine print to know how to request time off or deal with an emergency.
Any local or seasonal policies should be highlighted. Since London weather can be tricky in late January, it is useful to include advice about adjusting start times when transport delays happen.
Helping New Starters Feel Part of the Team
Joining a team is not just about work. It is about connection. This section of the manual should gently show how someone can be part of the workplace, not just in meetings but during lunch breaks or shared chats.
We often include ideas like these:
• Local cafés or lunch places within walking distance
• Scheduled points during the week for team catchups
• Tips for joining the team message board or group chat
Including a few “first-week wins” gives clear markers to guide progress. Checking off items like setting up an inbox, attending induction, or meeting a few coworkers builds confidence without pressure. These little wins mean a lot during cold, dark January mornings when everything still feels new.
Building Confidence from Day One
A good training manual does not just tick boxes. It gives people a way to settle in, learn at their own pace, and stop wondering who they can ask for help next time they are unsure. When the structure is in place from day one, everything else feels more manageable.
In person, we may not always be available to answer every question. That is where a printed manual comes in handy. It gives someone something to hold, flip through, and mark up as they go. For printed manuals and training booklets, we print in full colour on quality paper stocks, with options for saddle-stitched or perfect bound finishes that feel comfortable to use every day. Especially during winter, when energy levels can run low by midafternoon, having a printed guide nearby makes everything feel just a little bit easier.
Whatever the weather brings this season, giving new team members a printed guide they can trust makes their first few weeks feel easier. We know how important it is to provide the right resources from day one, and clear communication often starts on paper. If you are looking to prepare for upcoming hires in London, our training manual printing service ensures your materials are smart, durable, and easy to use. At Printpal, we work closely with you to create something that reflects your workplace and supports new starters every step of the way. Let us talk about how we can help get your next set of manuals printed on time.