15 American Workplace Etiquette Habits That Surprise International Colleagues
15 American Workplace Etiquette Habits That Surprise International Colleagues
When colleagues from different parts of the world step into an American office, they often find some of our workplace habits quite surprising. Just like for anything else, work habits in the USA can differ greatly from work habits in other countries. Nowadays, millions of people have experienced working in several countries. Here are 15 American workplace etiquette habits that most often catch our international friends off-guard.
1. Casual Friday
At many American companies, employees switch from formal wear to more relaxed attire on Fridays. This is a custom that is also practiced in England or Ireland but wouldn’t be the norm in France. This shift not only ends the workweek on a lighter note but also makes everyone feel more comfortable as they head into the weekend.
2. Bringing Bagels or Donuts
It’s common for someone in the office to bring bagels or donuts for everyone on a weekly basis. This kind gesture not only sweetens the start of the day but also fosters a sense of sharing and community among coworkers. This is something that would most commonly surprise non-anglosaxon workers.
3. Open Office Chatter
In American workplaces, it’s usual to engage in personal conversations across the open office. This helps to break down barriers between employees, promoting a friendly and open atmosphere where everyone feels more connected.
4. Eating at Desks
Many American workers eat their lunch or snacks right at their desks. This practice might seem unusual to some, but it allows employees to maximize their productivity and manage their time more effectively during busy days.
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5. After-Work Happy Hours
After the day ends, it’s not uncommon for coworkers to gather for happy hours. This time spent socializing outside of work helps build stronger bonds and relaxes the team in a more informal setting.
6. Baby Showers at Work
Office baby showers are a special way to celebrate an employee’s upcoming addition to their family. These parties bring joy and a personal touch into the workplace, showing support for one another’s major life events.
7. Personalized Workspaces
Americans love to personalize their workspaces with photos, plants, and decorations. This customization makes the work environment feel more personal and comfortable, reflecting individual personalities and interests.
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8. Volunteering Together
Many companies organize days for employees to volunteer together. This not only benefits the community but also strengthens team cohesion and gives everyone a sense of accomplishment outside regular work tasks.
9. Secret Santa
During the holiday season, participating in Secret Santa is a fun way for employees to exchange gifts anonymously. This tradition adds an element of surprise and enjoyment to the workplace during a festive time of year.
10. Going Away Parties
When someone is leaving, retiring, or moving on to new opportunities, it’s typical to throw a going away party. This shows appreciation for the colleague’s contributions and sends them off with good wishes from the team.
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11. Birthday Celebrations
In many offices, birthdays are celebrated monthly with a party for all employees whose birthdays fall in that month. This regular celebration keeps morale high and makes everyone feel valued.
12. Use of High Fives
High fives are often used in American offices as a physical gesture to celebrate small victories or greet each other. This simple act can boost spirits and promote a positive, energetic workplace environment. This isn’t something very common to do with work colleagues over in Europe.
13. Emphasis on Team Building
American companies often invest in team-building activities or retreats. These events are designed to improve teamwork and communication, ensuring that colleagues can work effectively together.
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14. Annual Reviews
Yearly evaluation meetings, or annual reviews, are a staple in the American workplace. They provide an opportunity for both reflection and forward planning, aiming to align individual goals with company objectives.
15. Informal Feedback
In addition to formal reviews, American workplaces encourage casual, ongoing feedback between employees. This approach helps to maintain open lines of communication and continuous improvement within the team.
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We are Mary and Eric, the founders of Be Right Back, a blog dedicated to romance around the globe and at home.
We are Mary and Eric, the founders of Be Right Back, a blog dedicated to romance around the globe and at home. With over 10 years of experience in dating and traveling to romantic places, we share our favorite date ideas and romantic destinations to help couples level up their relationships. Having lived in and traveled through the USA, we also share our favourite things to do in the States.
With 70,000 monthly readers and 16,000 followers on social media, Be Right Back is your go-to resource for romantic trip ideas and couple activities at home and abroad.