Glossary · Managing remote work

Standard operating procedure (SOP)

A standard operating procedure (SOP) is a written, step-by-step description of how a recurring task is done in your business, including the tools, inputs, decisions, and expected result. SOPs make work repeatable, let new hires ramp up faster, and turn knowledge in one person's head into a company asset.

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What it means in practice

You do not need SOPs written before you hire. A practical approach is to record yourself doing the task once, hand the recording to your new hire, and ask them to write the SOP as they learn. You review it, and the document improves with every pass.

SOPs are also the starting point for automation. Once a process is written down step by step, it is easy to see which steps a tool or an AI workflow can take over.

Use the task delegation swipe file for ideas on which processes to document first.

  • Delegation

    Delegation is handing ownership of a task or outcome to another person, along with the context, authority, and resources to complete it.

  • Onboarding

    Onboarding is the process of bringing a new hire up to speed: setting up accounts and access, explaining the business, training on tools and processes, and agreeing on goals and check-ins.

  • Workflow automation

    Workflow automation is using software to run the steps of a business process without manual work, such as moving data between apps, sending follow-ups, creating records, or routing requests.

  • Ramp time (time to productivity)

    Ramp time, or time to productivity, is how long a new hire takes to perform the role at the expected level without extra help.

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