Informal communication refers to the exchange of information, either oral or written, that does not follow the formal defined path or adhere to the traditional structures, methods, or hierarchies of a business
. It is often referred to as "grapevine" communication and can involve casual chats, watercooler catch-ups, office gossip, and discussing work in a more relaxed context
. Informal communication can take place between two or a group of individuals in the workplace or outside of it
. Some common examples of informal communication include:
- Instant messaging and group chats on internal communication apps or personal ones like WhatsApp
- Casual conversations or discussions that are not aligned to the official rules of communication
- Sharing information through gestures and body language
Informal communication can be beneficial in the workplace as it encourages an interchange of ideas, feelings, and opinions, fostering a team spirit and a sense of inclusion
. However, it can also lead to misunderstandings and lack of documentation, making it difficult to rely on informal communication in the same way as formal communication
. To balance informal and formal communications effectively, businesses should encourage open and honest conversations while ensuring that key tasks and information are also addressed through formal channels
