Informal communication in the workplace refers to conversations or discussions, both professional and personal, that take place spontaneously and do not result from a defined framework.
What Are the Advantages of Informal Communication in the Workplace?
The benefits of informal communication in the workplace include:
- Creating a healthy and relaxed work atmosphere
- Increasing employees’ sense of belonging and team cohesion
- Improving collaboration between team members
- Stimulating the exchange of information within the company
- Defusing tensions between team members
What Are Some Examples of Informal Communication?
Examples of informal communication include:
- Discussions around the coffee maker
- Discussions during breaks or lunch
- Discussions between colleagues outside formal meetings
- A spontaneous discussion between the CEO of a company and an employee
Why Is Informal Communication Important in Business?
Informal communication in the workplace is based on social relationships between employees. It is necessary to create connections between team members.
Informal communication allows employees to better understand the formal conversations that take place within a company. It also makes it easier for employees to find solutions to problems and to exchange ideas.
What Are the Different Types of Corporate Communication?
The different types of corporate communication generally include:
- Formal communication: formal meetings, emails, newsletters, etc.
- Informal communication: spontaneous discussions that are not governed by a specific framework
- Visual communication: signs or images that share information
- Written communication: texts, emails, letters
- Verbal communication: discussions between two or more people
- Non-verbal communication: unconscious communication through the body and face
What Is the Difference Between Informal and Formal Communication?
Informal communication has no set framework and the subject can be personal or professional. For example, two employees discussing their weekend or comparing sales techniques.
Formal communication, on the other hand, includes information transmitted in a formal way. It is often carried out by the managers or executives of a company. For example, the president of a company announces the acquisition of another company.
