| In the United States, the work environment is both professional
and causal as well. Don’t be surprised if you see people
bring their pets to work! The work culture and dress code
here are different than in India. Schedules are flexible,
and the atmosphere is informal
Here are some pointers to keep in mind when you begin
working in the United States: Office
Environment: The office environment is informal,
and there is no apparent hierarchy between managers
and their subordinates. Employees are treated as equals,
and independent views are welcomed. American work culture involves a lot of meetings. These
meetings need not deal with big decisions, but are more
like discussions, and are centered on the analyzing,
planning and review of any project. Opinions and ideas
are shared, and objections are made. Water, aerated drinks, tea, coffee and vending machines
are available at all offices. Working hours: Working hours are flexible as far as IT companies are
concerned. Normal office timings go from 8 AM to 5 PM.
If you are a contractor, then you do need to maintain
a minimum of 8 hours per day or 40 hours per week. Results
matter more than anything; you must be able to deliver
on demand. Contractors and temporary employees may have
to fill up weekly time sheets, which are signed by their
Manager. Few IT companies allow telecommuting, where
an employee can work from home, as and when required. Americans are very particular about time-management.
They come to office early and leave on time. You will
rarely find them working late hours, or on weekends.
They have their weekends pre-planned, and value their
privacy. American
Behavior:
- Generally, Americans are very polite, friendly
and helpful, but have no patience with interference
in their private lives.
- You may find it difficult to discuss everything
with an American friend, at least, when you are getting
to know each other.
- Exercising is important, and they usually go for
aerobics, swimming, tennis or a jog a few times during
the week.
- Don t be surprised if complete strangers greet
you. Be polite and greet them back.
- They are particular about their leisure time, health
and hygiene.
Do's
- At work or elsewhere while talking, if you want
to say Yes, just say "YES". Don't nod
your head up and down. Moving your head side to
side is found to be very confusing, and its mostly
taken as NO.
- Never, ever talk in your native language in presence
of Americans during a gathering.
- When you are going to smoke, don't say "I
am going out for a fag".
- Never ever ask for a rubber when you need an eraser.
Here a rubber means a "condom" !!
- Don't call a black person a "Negro"
or any thing else , it is always good to call them
"African Americans". Also never call an
"American Indian" as a "Red Indian",
they get very offended. You may call them as Native
Americans or American Indians.
Don'ts
- Don't say "The Phone was engaged", as
engaged means getting engaged. Instead say "There
was a busy tone".
- Don't say "I'll ring you back." or "I'll
give you a ring later". Here ring is the engagement
ring, rather say "I'll call you, or buzz you".
- Don't offer chewing gum, or a breath freshener
to others. It gives them a message that they have
a bad breath. Your intention may not be that, but
it is easily mistaken.
- Don't walk/sit with arms around the shoulders,
or too close of anybody
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