What can you do about the office grapevine?

What can you do about the office grapevine?

The grapevine is a constant companion and often THE communication channel when it comes to organisational change. The latest rumours about the content, goals and status of changes spread like wildfire through informal channels. Personnel matters or changes are particularly popular: “Have you heard? They’re looking for a new job for Meier because he can’t manage his department.”

The poorer the accompanying official communication and the more toxic the culture, the more the grapevine flourishes. Yet even with well-organised communication and a good working atmosphere, it remains an everyday companion to organisational change.

I would even call it a perfect information source to use in change communication. Simply turn the office kitchenette into a RUMOUR KITCHEN. Put out a pen and hang up flipchart paper, or place a notepad beside the coffee machine. Write “THE LATEST RUMOURS” prominently on it.

Anyone who has picked up a rumour on the grapevine may write it on the flipchart or notepad, anonymously if desired. All you then need to ensure is that every rumour receives an official response on the same paper—never anonymously!

This also works in production halls, changing rooms, canteens, meeting rooms and toilets. In home-working times, I recommend creating a digital rumour channel or whiteboard, for example in MS Teams.

How do you handle the grapevine? Share it in the comments.