Why?
Comfort
It can be stressful to not know where you are going to, what kind of tasks you will have to do and for how long. As a fieldwork leader, it is easy to think that the team will just come to the field and figure out what to do there. Communicating beforehand can be seen as a loss of time, especially at the start of the field season when you have so much to do.
Inclusivity
Some people will need to know the schedule or the kind of tasks performed because they have some personal things to manage. Weither it is energy intake, toilet breaks, medication with a strict schedule, or others, they might not dare to ask for the information they need and will be in a problematic situation without it. It is therefore much easier for everyone to communicate as much as possible, hoping that you cover the needed-information-that-they-do-not-dare-to-ask.
How?
Ideally you meet with your entire team. Points that should be covered:
- The purpose of the project
- The type of work
- The location
- The amount of work and general schedule
- The risk assessment
You should also discuss dietary requirements and preferences, and the type of accommodation. This meeting will be a key element of how well your team will interact on the field. You should try as much as possible to create an inclusive and safe atmosphere by taking into account the concerns and suggestions of everyone, and leave space for discussion.
If meeting is not an option, you should at least write a very detailed email with all those information. It is also a good check for yourself to make sure that you actually have figured out your fieldwork plan.