Handover document template: pass on unfinished work without losing context
A handover document template for vacations, leave and role changes: what is in progress, where things are, decisions made, open risks, contacts and the first three things to do.
What is in progress, where everything is, what was decided and why, and the first three things to do. Written so the next person does not have to call you.
When to use it
Before a vacation, parental leave, a role change or leaving a job. Also when a project moves to another person mid-way.
The template
Handover · [your name] → [their name] · [from date] to [to date]FIRST THREE THINGS TO DO1.2.3.IN PROGRESS- [Task] · status: [where it is] · next step: [what] · due: [date] Where: [link]WAITING ON OTHERS- [What] · from [who] · chase on [date]DECISIONS ALREADY MADE (and why)- [Decision] — [reason], so you do not reopen itRISKS AND KNOWN PROBLEMS- [Risk] → [what to do if it happens]PEOPLE- [Name] · [role] · [what they help with]ACCESS- [Tools and logins they need. Never put passwords here.]YOU CAN DECIDE / ESCALATE TO- Decide: [types of decisions]- Escalate to: [name] for [types]
A filled example
Handover · Dana → Sam · June 23 to July 7FIRST THREE THINGS TO DO1. Send the June client report to Northwind by July 3 (draft in Drive).2. Approve Priya's landing page designs by June 25.3. Chase product for the three screenshots on June 24.IN PROGRESS- Pricing page launch · page built, FAQ missing · next: write FAQ · due July 1 Where: M-Tracker project "Pricing page"WAITING ON OTHERS- Plan-name review · from legal (Alex) · chase on June 26DECISIONS ALREADY MADE- Launch moved to July 8 because screenshots were late. Sales know.RISKS- If legal changes plan names, the page and emails both change → tell Priya first.PEOPLE- Priya · designer · all page and email design- Jordan · Northwind contact · prefers email, replies within a dayYOU CAN DECIDE / ESCALATE TO- Decide: copy edits, design feedback, dates within a week- Escalate to: Alex for anything about pricing
Tips
- Start with the first three things. It is what the reader needs on day one.
- Write down decisions and the reason. Otherwise they get reopened.
- Never put passwords in a handover. Use a password manager share.
Where M-Tracker fits
In M-Tracker, each task already has its brief, its status and its review history, so most of a handover is already written. The next person can see what was asked, what was done and what came back. No screenshots and no activity tracking.
Try M-Tracker free14-day trial. No credit card. No employee surveillance.
Questions people ask
How long before leave should I write it?
Start a week before. Walk the person through it two days before.
What if I leave suddenly?
Keep briefs and status on each task as you go. Then the handover writes itself.
Work you can trust, without redoing it.
Your team gets feedback before work reaches you, or your client.
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