A referral from a friend brought Monica Johnson to her position at TTCU Federal Credit Union.

Now, the internal communications specialist is bringing more than 450 employees at the $2.2 billion asset credit union in Tulsa, Okla., closer together.

Johnson uses a variety of media, including TTCU’s intranet, email, internal television, and a team of 38 “Communication Champions,” one in each of the credit union’s branches and departments, to accomplish that.

“I love being connected to our people,” Johnson says. “Every day, I get to reach out to employees in different roles, locations, walks of life, and I really enjoy that.”

There’s never been a more challenging time to strengthen those connections.

To ensure employees were informed and felt safe and secure at the onset of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Johnson worked with TTCU President/CEO Tim Lyons, the senior management team, and human resources (HR) to produce weekly video messages based on questions from employees. Videos also included daily updates and guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and state and local health departments.

Johnson partnered with the HR team to promote a “show us your mask” contest via the credit union’s internal social media channel to build camaraderie. She also created an intranet form that allowed employees to voice concerns and ask questions, ensuring timely answers and reassurance from leaders.

“When employees know that we as a credit union family are doing our best to protect one another and that leaders are listening, that makes a difference,” she says. “I’m inspired by the opportunity to help employees not only be heard, but also to hear each other. I want our employees to know and feel they are appreciated and they are at the best credit union. I know through effective communication we can support and recognize them in so many ways.”

The innovative spirit of TTCU also inspires Johnson.

“We understand how important it is to keep moving forward,” she says. “While our foundation is strong—we stand on the shoulders of the successes of employees of the past 85 years—we are pushing ourselves every day to make this the best place to work and the best place to gain financial solutions for our members.”

Johnson has produced videos highlighting employees’ perspective of “Why TTCU?” She also has partnered with HR and marketing to tell employee stories on social media, allowing the credit union to be seen internally and externally as an employer of choice.