Understanding informal communication
Informal communication is the casual, unplanned exchanges that happen naturally in workplaces - conversations at the coffee machine, chats between meetings, quick questions to nearby colleagues. While not part of official channels, these interactions significantly shape culture and relationships.
Examples
- Water cooler conversations
- Lunch together
- Chat before meetings start
- Quick desk-side questions
Characteristics
- Spontaneous and unplanned
- Relationship-focused
- Bidirectional
- Fast but less reliable
Benefits of informal communication
- Relationship building: Personal connections strengthen working relationships and collaboration
- Knowledge sharing: Tacit knowledge often transfers through casual conversation
- Problem solving: Quick questions get quick answers without formal processes
- Early warning: Concerns and issues often surface informally first
- Culture building: Informal interactions shape how people feel about work
- Trust development: Personal connection supports professional trust
Challenges
The grapevine fills gaps
When formal communication is lacking, the grapevine fills the gap - often with speculation and rumour. The solution isn't eliminating informal communication but ensuring formal channels provide accurate, timely information. People will talk; make sure they have the right information.
- Misinformation: Rumours and inaccurate information can spread quickly
- Exclusion: Some employees may be left out of informal networks
- Inconsistency: Different people hear different things
- Distraction: Excessive socialising can reduce productivity
- Unhealthy patterns: Gossip, cliques, and negative talk can develop
Best practices
Enable healthy informal communication
- Physical spaces that encourage interaction
- Time for casual conversation
- Social activities and events
- Leaders who model approachability
Manage the downsides
- Strong formal communication to reduce rumours
- Address gossip and negative patterns
- Include remote and quieter employees
- Balance socialising with productivity
Informal communication for remote teams
Creating virtual informal connection
Key takeaways
Informal communication - casual workplace conversations - builds relationships, shares knowledge, and supports culture. It can't replace formal communication but complements it. Enable healthy informal interaction while managing downsides like gossip and exclusion. Remote teams need intentional substitutes for spontaneous office interactions.
RosterElf's staff management helps Australian businesses schedule teams to work together, supporting the natural interactions that build relationships.
