Informal communication is casual talk that occurs outside of official work arrangements. Unlike formal communication, it is not very serious and does not follow set official rules. Despite being casual, the sources emphasize that you must still remain respectful to others.
Key Characteristics and Benefits
- Building Culture: These interactions help create a positive mood at work.
- Teamwork: Roughly 70% of communication among co-workers is informal, and these conversations are vital for building teamwork and collaboration.
- Comfort: Starting an informal conversation usually involves choosing a simple, light topic that is comfortable for everyone.
Common Informal Situations at Work
Informal communication typically happens in non-official areas or during breaks, such as:
- Having a meal in the canteen or cafeteria.
- Talking near the water cooler or while using the hand wash.
- Waiting or walking in the lobby or hallways.
- Sitting in a conference room before a meeting officially begins.
Topics for Informal Talk
When engaging in casual conversation, common and appropriate topics include:
- Common interests and personal experiences.
- Current events, news, sports, or entertainment.
- Personal plans, such as what you intend to do over the weekend.
Informal Writing
Informal communication also applies to writing, such as sending basic English text messages to friends to make movie plans or writing a short message to congratulate a colleague on a promotion.