Steelcase Workplace Index Survey Examines 'Water Cooler' Conversations at Work

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Aug. 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Steelcase, a global office environments manufacturer, today unveiled the results of the first topic in a three-part Workplace Index Survey on the Nature of Work in 2007. Conducted by Opinion Research Corporation (ORC), the study examines the way news travels through both formal and informal channels at work, resulting in what may be a new era of "water cooler" conversations.

Through a survey of nearly 700 office workers in the United States, the study reveals that the majority (eight in 10) believe their company uses a consistent method of communicating news or announcements. Of those who work for a company with a consistent method of communicating information, 59 percent say this method is via e-mail. Only 12 percent said the company they work for holds a staff meeting for this purpose. In workplaces without a consistent method of communicating news, 31 percent say that an "off the record" conversation with a supervisor is their first source of news, with office gossip a close second at 28 percent.

Despite survey findings that companies are sufficiently consistent with their means of formal communication, it is clear that office gossip is here to stay. Nearly two-thirds (64 percent) of survey respondents say that people in their company gossip about company news all, most or some of the time. And seventy-six percent report that office gossip is actually right always, usually or even some of the time.

"The way news travels at work - both formally and informally - is fascinating to watch," said Chris Congdon, manager of corporate marketing for Steelcase. "Every workplace has the person or persons who know the scoop, at Steelcase we call those people hubs, and others that have the ability to grant access to people or information in the office; these are gatekeepers. Knowing who these people are and how information flows within an organization grants great insight for management and can be leveraged for increased productivity through space planning."

The WPIS also shows that the days of standing around the water cooler to exchange the latest chit chat may be over - only one percent head to the cooler for more than water. Today's water cooler conversations are more likely to take place in the office kitchen or break room (36 percent), at a co- worker's desk, workstation or office (33 percent), or through e-mail or instant messenger (10 percent). The news will most likely be spread by the younger members of the organization, as the older a person is, the more prone he or she is to keep the news under wraps: Only nine percent of those aged 18- 24 say they keep news quiet, compared to 19 percent of those 25-34, 34 percent of those 35-44, 39 percent of those 45-54 and 48 percent of those age 55-64.

The Steelcase Workplace Index Surveys address pertinent issues in today's work environment. This continual workforce feedback is essential to the development of Steelcase's knowledge of the workplace and to the company's product development and corporate ventures aimed to increase worker effectiveness and productivity.

Results of parts two and three in the Nature of Work in 2007 series examine exercise and multi-generations at work, and will be unveiled in September 2007 and October 2007, respectively. Past surveys have covered working on vacation, ergonomics and workspace personalization. Further information on workplace issues is available in the knowledge center on Steelcase's Web site at http://www.steelcase.com/.

About Steelcase Inc.

Steelcase, the global leader in the office furniture industry, helps people have a better work experience by providing products, services and insights into the ways people work. The company designs and manufactures architecture, furniture and technology products. Founded in 1912 and headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Steelcase serves customers through approximately 13,000 employees and dealers at over 550 locations worldwide. Fiscal 2007 revenue was $3.1 billion. Learn more at http://www.steelcase.com/.