Shape a short workplace document

Skills for Success says to choose a format that fits the task: paragraphs, bullet points, numbered lists, or sub-headings. Official workplace examples include accident report forms, timesheets, and memo boards. Use the form your workplace already has when there is one.

The Canada.ca Content Style Guide says headings should tell the reader what comes next, stay short, and make sense on their own. Use lists so people can scan. Keep list items in the same grammatical pattern (for example, start each step with an action word).

A simple notice or memo (practice layout, not an official government template):

1. A short title that says what the note is about.
2. Who it is for, and the date.
3. The most important point in the first sentence.
4. Details or steps in a list.
5. What you want the reader to do, and by when.
6. Your name.

Example idea: “Water shut-off on Tuesday. The pump room will be closed from 9 am to noon. Please fill bottles on Monday. Thank you, [Name].”

If you will send the note by email, use the Outlook course for To, Cc, subject lines, and Reply All. This lesson is about the words and the shape of the document.

Keep private facts off a shared memo board. Do not post a SIN, a password, or health details other people do not need.

Ask your adult learning council if you want someone to review a practice notice with you.