Step 1: Define informal communication.
Informal communication (commonly called the grapevine) is the unofficial flow of information through personal and social networks rather than through the organisation's formal hierarchy or official channels.
Step 2: Evaluate "Always keeps communication professional".
Informal communication is by nature casual and personal. Professionalism and formality are characteristics of formal channels like official memos, meetings, and reports.
Step 3: Evaluate "Maintains official documentation".
Documenting decisions, orders, and records is an exclusive feature of formal communication. Informal communication leaves no official paper trail.
Step 4: Evaluate "Helps in establishing procedures".
Procedures are set through formal managerial authority, policies, and official guidelines - not through informal conversations.
Step 5: Evaluate "Encourages people to share their problems freely".
Because informal communication happens in a relaxed, non-threatening setting without fear of official consequences, employees feel comfortable expressing their real concerns, frustrations, and ideas. This psychological openness is a genuine advantage.
Step 6: Confirm the advantage.
The freedom to speak candidly is the key benefit of informal communication in the workplace.
\[ \boxed{ \text{(A) It encourages people to share their problems freely} } \]