So you are ready to shout it from the mountain tops...or at the very least to send out an email. The right start to something is often an important step in the adoption of an initiative. You can announce it in Teams, an email, a company newsletter, your all-hands meeting....it's up to you. We have put together a few examples based on what has worked for others but feel free to customise it as you see fit, it's important that the voice and tone of the messaging connects with your company culture.
In Microsoft Teams:
If you want to keep it really casual, you can send out a Message inside of Microsoft Teams on its own or in addition to sending out an email. When it comes to messaging inside of Microsoft Teams, it's best to keep this simple.
Here's a few examples
Teams Message 1:
Here's something you might want to know: Have you been missing those casual chats that happen at work? We've installed a new app called Dewdropz to help us with this and help us connect better with teammates. You will receive an email that explains more soon.
Teams Message 2:
Announcement: We're about to start a new initiative. We know how important it is to connect with one another but sometimes it's hard to do that and everything else on your plate. So we've added something simple that lets you choose how to participate. It's an app called Dewdropz that helps us make time to connect with each other and build more meaningful connections at work. It's also a way to have a much needed break form the day to day work activities. Join the [insert Team name] to get started and we will send out a mail soon that explains more soon.
Teams Message 3:
📢 Hey there! Exciting news! Introducing Dewdropz, our new initiative for virtual coffee chats ☕️ . Join the [insert Team name] to get started. Get ready to meet your amazing colleagues, share insights, and build connections. Let's build the workplace culture we want to have together! 🚀 #Dewdropz #VirtualCoffeeChats 🤝👋
Notes on Emojis: These can be great but it's best to keep it to just a few. Never swop out looking "fun" for legibility. It should be easy to understand without having to interpret what the emoji means: (🙏 are these hands praying or giving a high 5??)
Email examples
Email is still a very effective method of communicating. We suggest using Teams and reinforcing the message via email a day or two later. These could be incorporated in an email.
Example 1: A less informal type of approach
Subject: Get to know each other over coffee!
Hi Team,
We're rolling out a new initiative using a tool called Dewdropz to help each other stay in touch, and we'd love for you to participate! Some of you may already be familiar with Dewdropz, but for those who are not, this email should help explain it further.
What is it? It's a Microsoft Teams app that helps us connect with one another. It does through a few ways. One will be to pair you up with a teammate (weekly/every 2nd week) to have a coffee chat. It's up to you when and where you meet based on what works for you.
Remember, it's not to discuss work but rather a chance to get to know someone else in our organisation. At the end of the week, the app will ask how things went and this input is useful to know if the interactions are going well.
the Dewdropz bot will also post topics in team to encourage us to share thoughts. These are causal conversation starters and we look forward to see how everyone responds.
How can I be part of it?
You don't need to sign up or create any account. It's already been setup for us.
Once we are ready, you will be added to the [insert team name] to start getting paired.
The Dewdropz bot will introduce itself and give you a chance to find out more.
{ if not adding everyone at once}
If you have not been added to the team and would like to participate, just join the [insert team name] team in Microsoft Teams or email [SuperUser of Dewdropz*]* to be added. You'll automatically be included in the next round of pairing
Looking forward to getting ️ with you soon!
Example 2 : A friendly and encouraging tone
Subject: Join the Exciting New Initiative to connect with your colleagues!
Hi Team,
We've got some exciting news to share! We're launching Dewdropz, a fantastic new initiative designed to bring us closer together and foster meaningful connections. Get ready for virtual coffee chats that will not only make your workdays more enjoyable but also expand your network and collaboration opportunities.
How does it work? It's simple:
Every [week, monthly, whichever frequency you chose], Dewdropz will randomly match you with a fellow colleague for a virtual coffee chat.
You'll receive a message in Teams with your match's details and the ability to connect with them to schedule your chat .
Once you’ve setup a day and time, hop on a call/meet in person, and have a relaxed conversation over a cup of your favorite beverage.
At the end of the week, the bot will ask how things went.
Inside the team, Dewdropz
We believe that these coffee chats can create magic moments, spark inspiration, and enhance our company culture. So don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to meet new colleagues and share insights!
Every now and again, the app will post a topic in the [team name] team to encourage conversation and help us all gt to know each other better. When you participate, you let others know its okay to do so as well.
Only those part of the Team will get paired so for the first round, we will be randomly selecting people to kick us off. If you were not in the lucky lot that got the invite, just join the {name of team} so you will be part of the next pairing.
Let's sip, chat, and connect with Dewdropz!
Best regards,
[Your Name]
P.S: you don’t need to sign up for this. It will work as soon as you are part of the team.
Example 3 : A more formal and informative tone
Subject: Introducing Dewdropz: Foster Connections and Collaboration at [Company Name]
Dear Team,
We are thrilled to announce the launch of Dewdropz, an exciting new initiative designed to foster connections and collaboration within our organization. Through virtual coffee chats, we aim to create opportunities for meaningful conversations, expand your professional network, and enhance our company culture.
Here's how it works:
Every [week, monthly, whichever frequency you chose], Dewdropz will pair you with a fellow colleague for a virtual coffee chat.
You will receive a message in Teams with your match's details, including their name and job title.
Connect with your match directly in Teams to schedule a convenient time for your coffee chat.
During the chat, enjoy a relaxed conversation and the chance to share insights and experiences.
To ensure everyone gets a chance to participate, we will randomly select the first round of participants. If you have not received an invite for the initial pairing, simply join the [name of team] or email [Superuser of Dewdropz] so you can be included in the next round.
We believe that these coffee chats will not only strengthen relationships but also promote cross-departmental collaboration and knowledge sharing. We encourage you to embrace this opportunity and actively engage in the Dewdropz experience.
Every now and again, the app will post a topic in the [team name] team to encourage conversation and help us all get to know each other better. When you participate, you let others know its okay to do so as well.
If you have any questions or need assistance, please let us know.
Let's make meaningful connections and foster collaboration with Dewdropz!
Best regards,
[Your Name]
P.S: You don't need to sign up for Dewdropz. Once you are part of the team, the pairing process will begin automatically.
Example 4 : Casual and Exciting Tone
Subject: Keen to meet others through Virtual Coffee Chats?
Hey Team,
We've got something super exciting in store for you! Introducing Dewdropz, our newest initiative aimed at bringing us closer together and fuelling collaboration. Brace yourself for virtual coffee chats that will add a new vibe to your work routine and open doors to new connections.
Here's the scoop on Dewdropz:
Every two weeks, Dewdropz will randomly pair you with a fellow colleague for a virtual coffee chat.
Look out for a message in Teams with your match's details, including their name and department.
Connect with your match in Teams to schedule a time that suits both of you for a delightful chat.
During the chat, kick back, relax, and enjoy some quality conversation and at the end of the week, provide some feedback when the app asks how it went.
We believe that these coffee chats have the power to ignite creativity, boost camaraderie, and add some extra oomph to our workdays. So, get your favorite mug ready, and let's dive into the Dewdropz experience!
If you didn't receive an invite for the first round of pairings, don't worry! Just join the [name of team] or email [Superuser of Dewdropz] so you can be part of the next exciting round.
Every now and again, the app will post a topic in the [team name] team to encourage conversation and help us all gt to know each other better. When you participate, you let others know its okay to do so as well.
Let's sip, chat, and connect with Dewdropz!
Best,
[Your Name]
P.S: No need to sign up separately for Dewdropz. Once you're a member of the team, you're all set to embark on this exciting initiative.
Feel free to adjust the content as needed to match your company's tone and style.