With globalization leading to more interactions among cultures, it is important to be familiar with the preferences and behavioral patterns of one’s boss and colleagues, particularly when those individuals come from a different continent or when you are working in a foreign country.  Below are a few interesting examples from an article I just came across. I believe it will be an interesting reading to all of you. Enjoy!

1. The Israeli Workweek

In Israel, the workweek runs from Sunday-Thursday, so the citizens are free to observe Shabbat, the Jewish Holy Day, from sundown on Friday to Saturday evening. The standard Israeli work week is 43 hours. In some industries some exception exists and Western schedule have adopted to keep in touch with international counterparts of the company. More info about this:  43 hours

2. Logging Off in France

French workers are protected by a Right to Disconnect Law, which stipulates that most French professionals are not responsible for responding to emails that come in after hours. The measure was adopted to protect employees from being overworked. This is something we can only dream about in the U.S., but in France, it’s regarded as a necessary means to ensure a healthy work-life balance. You can find more info here: Right to Disconnect

3. Meeting Start Times in India

In India being 15 minutes late from a meeting still considered to be on time. If you are interested to learn more, please check the report here:   The Economic Times.

4. Collective Fitness in Japan

In Japan, employees and students engage in a 15 minute exercise together before they start their work days or classes. It intends to build morale, reduce stress and create a feeling of unity among employees/classmates. Learn more here: Radio taiso

5. Swedish Coffee Breaks Are Serious Business

The Swedes believe that taking breaks seeds productivity, which is why they take coffee breaks, or “fika” seriously. The coffee breaks give Swedish workers an opportunity to relax and get to know the colleagues better. For more info on this: fika

6. Supporting Icelandic Parents 

Iceland has an impressive set of standards for parental leave. Each parent gets three month of parental leave, followed by an additional three months of leave to share. Each parent earns 80% of his or her salary while on leave. More info: parental leave

7. Prayer Time Trumps Meeting Time in the UAE

In the United Arab Emirates prayer times should always be respected. Prayer times take priority over any phone call, event or any work related engagement. Find more on this here: prayer times

8. Rules of Thumb in Nigeria

When you work with a Nigerian colleague don’t give her/him a thumbs up a sign because the gesture has a completely different meaning in Nigeria and it is indeed considered very offensive. More info:  Nigerian

9. Un Beso in Argentina

A kiss on the cheek in Argentina in both professional and social spheres is a way of showing welcome, respect and affection. It is a traditional greeting that is extended with respect and warmth. More info: un beso

10. Finding Balance in Taiwan

Employees in Taiwan have long viewed their loyalty to their employers as their top priority, and they regard personal requests, like time off, as rude. In January 1, 2017 however a Law went into place giving Taiwanese professionals two days off per week. More info:  Taiwanese professionals