Informal Communication in the Workplace

Informal communication in the workplace satisfies a variety of needs, particularly social or emotional and is not based on the positions individuals occupy within the organizations. Due to this, the communication is not managed or planned in any organized fashion which makes in informal. It is more relaxed, casual and is usually spread by word-of-mouth throughout a department or organization very quickly.

Typically the most common term used for informal communication in the workplace is grapevine. This communication that is sent through an organizational grapevine is called gossip or rumour. Gossip and rumours are the most commonly used way of communication in the workplace, whether its conversations during lunch or during a cigarette break. Grapevine communication usually occurs when employees feel threatened, vulnerable or when an organization experiences changes.

There are several advantages of grapevine communication:

• Spread information quickly throughout an organization      
• Social purpose 
• Reduce stress

Usually this type of communication occurs by employees with the same position, even though it isn't necessarily the only way. Co-workers can talk at lunch about what they'll be doing on the weekend for an example. Staff members usually keep informal communication between each other and don't include managers or executives.