At the start of the pandemic, information was changing rapidly, and executive leadership was holding virtual meetings every day to keep us updated on the latest developments. On top of that, we were constantly receiving new guidance from the health department. As a manager, I knew I needed to communicate these updates quickly and consistently to my team. But there was a problem: with everyone overwhelmed and inboxes flooded, any email or chat message I sent would likely get buried or delayed.

I had to find a better way—something simple, organized, and accessible.

That’s when I decided to create a shared folder for my team. I designed a clear, easy-to-read template for daily updates and customized the information from leadership meetings to focus on what was most relevant to my team. Every night, I would upload the latest notes and then send a quick message in our Teams group to let them know the updates were ready.

The Result

It worked. My team could check the updates whenever it suited them, knowing they wouldn’t have to sift through emails or other distractions to find the information. Everything was stored in one secure place, where nothing would get lost in the shuffle.

More importantly, my team felt supported. By consistently sharing the updates they needed, I showed them that I valued their time and wanted them to stay informed and safe. They appreciated the effort, and it strengthened our communication during a difficult time.

Why It Worked and How You Can Do It Too

This approach didn’t require fancy tools or extensive effort—just a shared folder, a simple template, and a commitment to keep my team informed. It showed them that I cared, and it gave them the flexibility to access the information when they needed it most. Anyone can implement this system to improve communication, even in high-stress situations.