5 Free Organizational Chart Templates

Organizational charts are essential tools for any business, as they provide a visual representation of a company's structure and hierarchy. They help employees understand their roles and responsibilities, as well as the relationships between different departments and teams. In this article, we will discuss the importance of organizational charts and provide five free templates that you can use to create your own.

Why Do You Need an Organizational Chart?

An organizational chart is a diagram that shows the relationships between different roles and departments within a company. It helps employees understand who they report to, who their colleagues are, and how their work contributes to the overall goals of the organization. Organizational charts are especially useful for new employees, as they provide a clear understanding of the company's structure and expectations.

Benefits of Organizational Charts

Organizational charts offer several benefits, including:

• Improved communication: By providing a clear understanding of the company's structure, organizational charts help employees communicate more effectively with each other.
• Increased efficiency: Organizational charts help employees understand their roles and responsibilities, which can lead to increased productivity and efficiency.
• Better decision-making: By showing the relationships between different roles and departments, organizational charts can help employees make more informed decisions.
• Enhanced collaboration: Organizational charts can help employees identify potential collaborators and facilitate teamwork.

5 Free Organizational Chart Templates

Here are five free organizational chart templates that you can use to create your own:

1. Microsoft Excel Organizational Chart Template

Microsoft offers a free organizational chart template that you can use in Excel. This template is easy to use and provides a basic structure for creating an organizational chart.

2. Lucidchart Organizational Chart Template

Lucidchart offers a free organizational chart template that you can use to create a professional-looking chart. This template is easy to customize and provides a range of features, including drag-and-drop functionality.

3. SmartDraw Organizational Chart Template

SmartDraw offers a free organizational chart template that you can use to create a custom chart. This template provides a range of features, including automatic formatting and collaboration tools.

4. Google Drawings Organizational Chart Template

Google Drawings offers a free organizational chart template that you can use to create a custom chart. This template is easy to use and provides a range of features, including real-time collaboration.

5. Canva Organizational Chart Template

Canva offers a free organizational chart template that you can use to create a professional-looking chart. This template is easy to customize and provides a range of features, including drag-and-drop functionality.

How to Create an Organizational Chart

Creating an organizational chart is a straightforward process that involves several steps:

1. Determine the scope of the chart: Decide which departments and teams to include in the chart.
2. Gather information: Collect information about the company's structure, including job titles, roles, and reporting relationships.
3. Choose a template: Select one of the free templates provided above or create your own from scratch.
4. Customize the template: Add your company's information to the template, including job titles, roles, and reporting relationships.
5. Review and revise: Review the chart for accuracy and revise as necessary.

Best Practices for Creating an Organizational Chart

Here are some best practices to keep in mind when creating an organizational chart:

• Keep it simple: Avoid cluttering the chart with too much information.
• Use clear language: Use clear and concise language to describe job titles and roles.
• Use images: Use images to help illustrate the relationships between different roles and departments.
• Make it accessible: Make the chart accessible to all employees, including those with disabilities.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when creating an organizational chart:

• Inaccurate information: Make sure the chart is accurate and up-to-date.
• Cluttered design: Avoid cluttering the chart with too much information.
• Lack of clarity: Use clear and concise language to describe job titles and roles.

Gallery of Organizational Chart Templates

Organizational Chart Template Gallery

By following the best practices outlined above and using one of the free templates provided, you can create an effective organizational chart that helps your employees understand the company's structure and expectations. Remember to keep the chart simple, use clear language, and make it accessible to all employees.