To write an SOP, describe how a recurring task should be done the right way every time: the goal, who is responsible, the steps in order, the forms used, and how quality is checked. Write it together with the people who actually do the work, in short language a new employee can understand.
Step by step
- 1
Choose the process
Start with processes that repeat often, or where a mistake causes a large loss.
- 2
Watch the people who do it
Write the steps as they actually happen, then correct them to show how they should happen.
- 3
Use a fixed template
Purpose, scope, responsibilities, steps, forms and quality criteria.
- 4
Make it visual
Checklists, pictures and simple diagrams instead of long paragraphs.
- 5
Test and update
Ask a new employee to carry out the procedure from the page, revise whatever they did not understand, and review your procedures every six months.
Procedures the manager writes alone, without the people who do the work, stay in the files and are never applied.
Standard operating procedure SOP template
Write any recurring procedure the same way: purpose, scope, responsibilities, steps, checkpoints and a change log.
Download the template free- standard operating procedure template
- how to write a procedures manual for employees