Which type of communication includes gossip and casual discussions among employees?

Informal communication encompasses the casual exchanges and gossip that occur among employees in a workplace. This type of communication is often spontaneous and may not follow the established hierarchical lines of communication found in formal communications. In informal settings, employees may share personal stories, opinions, or ideas without the constraints of organizational structure, allowing for a more relaxed atmosphere where information can flow freely.

In contrast, formal communication involves structured and official channels such as meetings, reports, and memos, which are designed to convey important information within the organization systematically. Vertical communication refers specifically to the flow of information up and down the organizational hierarchy, such as directives from management to staff or feedback from employees to supervisors. Written communication is a specific method of conveying information through written documents but does not capture the casual and spontaneous nature of informal exchanges. Thus, the characteristics of informal communication make it the correct answer, as it specifically describes the casual interactions like gossip among employees.