Effective communication helps your people understand why you’re introducing 15Five, what’s changing, and how the rollout supports them. This guide outlines who should communicate what, when to send key messages, and provides templates you can personalize for your organization.
In this article, you will learn about the following best practices for communicating 15Five:
- Identify and communicate your "why"
- Send communications from the right people
- Follow a clear communication timeline
- Partner with managers early
- Next steps
1️⃣ Identify and communicate your "why"
Before launch, identify the purpose behind bringing 15Five into your organization. A clear “why” helps employees understand the benefit of the change and creates shared alignment.
How to identify your “why”
Answer these questions with your rollout team:
What prompted us to adopt 15Five?
Which team or company challenges are we hoping to solve?
How will 15Five support current priorities or initiatives?
What does successful adoption look like in the next 90 days?
Create your “why” statement
Use this fill-in template:
Why Statement Template
We’re implementing 15Five to support our goals around ____. With 15Five, we aim to improve ____ by enabling ____ so our teams can ____.
2️⃣ Send communications from the right people
Employees want to hear different messages from specific people. Sharing information through the right messenger increases clarity and buy-in.
Preferred communication flow
| Role | What they communicate | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| CEO/Executive Leader | The “why,” vision, and company-level impact | Builds trust and clarity |
| Direct Managers | How the change affects team workflows and individual experience | Provides personal relevance |
| HR / 15Five Admin | Logistics, training, access instructions, expectations | Ensures people know what to do next |
Checklist before communicating
Confirm your “why” statement
Ensure CEO and manager messaging is aligned
Finalize timelines and expectations
Prepare all templates and training resources
3️⃣ Follow a clear communication timeline
Use the structure below to coordinate messages, reduce confusion, and ensure employees know what to expect.
📅 3 Weeks Before Launch: CEO Announcement
This message introduces 15Five, explains the company’s “why,” and sets expectations for what employees can look forward to.
✅ What to include in the CEO announcement
A warm, encouraging introduction
A clear statement of the company’s “why” for adopting 15Five
A brief summary of what 15Five is and the purpose it serves
Which features will be used at launch (ex: Check-ins)
How the rollout supports employees and the organization
What communications will follow
Where employees can go with questions
A closing statement that inspires support and participation
CEO Announcement Template
Subject: Introducing 15Five: Our New Tool for Better Alignment and Support
"Hi team,
I’m excited to share that we’re launching 15Five, a platform designed to help us improve communication, strengthen manager support, and stay aligned on priorities.
We chose 15Five because [insert your “why”]. As we continue to grow, we want to ensure everyone feels supported, connected, and clear on what matters most.
To start, we’ll begin using Weekly Check-ins. Each week, you’ll share how you’re doing, what you’re working on, and where you may need support. Your manager will review your Check-in to stay connected and help remove roadblocks quickly.
You’ll receive more details from your manager and our HR team soon. If questions come up, feel free to reach out to [name] or post in our [internal channel].
Thanks for supporting this transition and helping us make it a success.
[Leader Name]
[Title]"
📅 2 Weeks Before Launch: Manager Announcement
Managers help employees understand what the rollout means for their daily experience. This message should connect the change to personal impact and team workflows.
✅ What to include in the manager announcement
A brief reference to the CEO message
What employees are expected to do (Check-ins, 1-on-1s, etc.)
How 15Five will change or enhance day-to-day workflows
The personal benefits employees can expect
Reassurance, clarity, and support
An open door for questions and feedback
Manager Announcement Template
Subject: What to Expect as We Begin Using 15Five
"Hi team,
As you heard from leadership, we’re rolling out 15Five to support clearer communication and stronger alignment. Here’s what this means for us day-to-day:
You’ll complete a weekly Check-in. It takes about 15 minutes and helps me understand how you’re doing, what’s going well, and where I can support you.
We’ll use 15Five’s 1-on-1 tool to track our discussion topics and action items.
This process is designed to streamline communication, reduce friction, and give you more space to share feedback and growth needs.
If you have questions, concerns, or ideas, I’m here to support you throughout the transition.
Thanks for your partnership,
[Manager Name]"
📅 1 Week Before Launch: HR / 15Five Admin Announcement
Human Resources or the 15Five rollout owner sends the logistical details employees need to activate and start using the platform successfully.
✅ What to include in the HR announcement
A reminder of the upcoming launch
Training information (dates, links, expectations)
Activation details (when invitations will be sent)
Usage expectations for both employees and managers
When the first Check-in is due
Where to send questions or feedback
HR Announcement Template
Subject: Your 15Five Training and Activation Details
"Hi everyone,
We’re one week away from launching 15Five. Here’s what you need to know:
Training
Internal training session: [date/time]
15Five learning resources: [link]
Activation
You’ll receive your 15Five activation email on [date].
Please activate your account as soon as it arrives.
Expectations
Managers will hold weekly 1-on-1s using 15Five.
All employees, including leadership, will complete Weekly Check-ins due by [day/time].
Your first Check-in is due [date].
We welcome your questions and feedback. Contact [name] or post in [internal channel] anytime.
Thanks for your support,
[HR/People Team]"
Getting Started Resources
Once your team activates their 15Five accounts, share this resource hub to help them learn the basics quickly. It includes onboarding guides, feature walkthroughs, and short trainings for employees, managers, and admins — everything they need to feel confident getting started.
➡️ Access all getting started resources here.
4️⃣ Partner With Managers Early
Managers are essential to the success of your rollout. Engaging them early builds trust and ensures they have what they need to support their teams.
How to involve managers
Host a manager-focused kickoff session
Share expectations clearly
Provide tools, examples, and training resources
Ask for input before finalizing your rollout plan
Questions to discuss with managers
What obstacles might your team face during this transition?
What support or resources do you need to feel confident using 15Five?
What positive impact do you expect once 15Five is fully adopted?
Keeping managers involved early helps turn them into enthusiastic champions of the process.
Next Steps
After completing these steps, you’re ready to:
Guide managers through using 1-on-1s, Priorities, and feedback tools