nformal communication in the company: cohesion or gossip?

In the world of work, informal communication is a double-edged sword for organizations . For example, imagine that coffee with colleagues: do you think it benefits or harms employee productivity? The answer is that it depends. On the one hand, having a conversation during a break can help strengthen team cohesion , promoting interaction and camaraderie among collaborators. On the other hand, if not handled carefully, it can lead to rumors and misunderstandings that affect the dynamics and work environment. In fact, according to a survey of Human Resources managers by Careerbuilder, rumors and conversations with colleagues are among the main distractions for workers. However, it is precisely these conversations that promote interpersonal relationships between members of an organization, essential to achieving job satisfaction for professionals. In this sense, according to another LinkedIn study , one in two workers considers that, to feel happy and productive in the work environment, it is essential to maintain a good relationship with their colleagues and superiors.



Therefore, the impact of informal communication will depend on how it is managed. Keep in mind that this type of communication is inevitable; An email or a simple smile in the elevator is already activating it. Hence, managers must know its scope and how to deal with it so that it benefits the company. CTA Post What is informal Europe Mobile Number List and formal communication? Both concepts must be framed within organizational communication . That is, informal and formal communication are part of the flow of information that passes through a company through the different existing channels and networks. The difference? The structure and intentionality of said information. In this way, formal communication is that which is controlled by the company and uses official channels to expand , either horizontally or vertically . This would be the case, for example, a team meeting scheduled by the head of the department or a circular from Management informing about a new measure. On the other hand, informal communication is all that information that goes beyond the formal organizational and hierarchical structure.







This means that it happens in a more spontaneous and natural way between people and encompasses all conversations not planned by the company. It does not mean that it has to be about topics unrelated to the company , such as talking about the soccer game or the health of the children, but talking about the new time policy at the office door is also informal communication. A conversation in the hallway is an example of informal communication What are the informal communication channels? In this sense, you can see informal communication, for example, in conversations in the hallways or in break areas. Those huddles next to the coffee machine are perhaps the best graphic representation of this type of organizational communication , although they are not the only one. WhatsApp messages ―outside official chats―, leaving a note for a colleague saying “See you tonight at the usual bar” or a simple birthday greeting are communications outside official protocols. We must not forget body language . For example, a disapproving exchange of glances in a meeting while a senior manager explains the new project involves an enormous transfer of information between the employees involved, just like a wave from a distance or a 'defensive' posture during a conversation. conversation.