Every organization, whether large or small, has an informal communication network typically known as “the grapevine.”

Whether you like it or not, many employees get their information (both accurate and inaccurate) from the grapevine. In fact, a survey found that up to 75% of employees first hear about things going on at their organization through the grapevine.

The grapevine has two main characteristics:

1. It is not controlled by management.

2. Most employees perceive it as more believable and reliable than formal messages issued by management.

These two characteristics explain why rumors flourish in companies.

Research shows that rumors are particularly rampant when it comes to situations such as downsizing, office relocations, and new managerial appointments since these
items are important to employees and arouse anxiety.

HR POINTER:

To minimize the impact of inaccurate information that is disseminated on the grapevine, focus on creating clear and open communications on issues:

A. That are important to employees,

B. That may be ambiguous or complicated, and

C. That are causing the highest levels of anxiety within
the workforce.

If you don’t communicate the correct information and don’t make an effort to communicate frequently, employees will fill the communication void with their own ideas, which will often be inaccurate and create more anxiety.