Cultural Differences in the Workplace

No matter where you work, chances are you are surrounded by examples of cultural differences. What's fascinating is that classic examples of cultural differences are often misunderstood as simple personality traits. People may say, "I'm right, and they are wrong, and practical and positive comes out of the argument. Knowing how to identify cultural differences in the workplace can give you a competitive edge.

Giving suggestions or keeping to yourself

It wasn't the first time that Marta's manager had asked her to copy-edit the store flyer (传单). Their company served a large Latino (拉丁美洲人) population and Marta was happy to find that more Latino items ( offer) at local supermarkets, which was beyond her expectation. When she worked on the flyer featuring the new products, Marta noticed that the items were not being introduced in a way that (attract) Latinos. She thought of approaching her manager with her observations. But her boss might take them as criticism of the advertising team who (create) the copy. So she kept her mouth shut.

Later, when Marta mentioned her decision to Jim, a British colleague of , he said Marta s boss would probably welcome the suggestions. A good manager is usually happy to hear suggestions for improving products or services, and something that, for many Latinos and people from other backgrounds, seem like questioning authority. This is just one of many examples of cultural differences in the workplace. Think about it this way that you (pay) to come up with unique ideas that can give your company a competitive advantage.

To share or not to share

One of (common) examples of cultural differences in the workplace is how much people share about themselves and their families their co-workers. How much is too much? It really depends on who you ask.

Latinos tend not only to share a lot about themselves but also to ask about other people's families. They ask they care and they expect others to care about them as well. So when nobody asks Latinos about their sick child or their cousin who got married, they tend to feel isolated. If you use these cultural differences at work as an opportunity to learn from each other, you can make it a much better workplace.

IAESTE Placements for Non-UK Students

If you have been accepted to the UK as an IAESTE trainee

We're here to help make your time in the UK as easy as possible.

Before you arrive in the UK, you must make some important arrangements. Please read the information below, particularly if you need to apply for UK entry clearance (入境许可).

♦ What to do when you receive your acceptance note

The acceptance note is official confirmation of your IAESTE placement. It gives full details of your employer's name and address, and the dates you are expected for training. As soon as you receive it, contact your UK employer to discuss details of your placement project. Complete the required sections at the bottom of your acceptance note, sign it and return it to your local IAESTE office within two weeks. Keep a copy of this document for the full period of your traineeship.

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National Insurance

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Income tax

If you are a trainee on a short term placement and your total salary for that period does not exceed the personal allowance(免税额)of 9,440 per year, then you will not be required to pay income tax. Students whose total income exceeds the personal allowance will be liable to pay income tax(currently 20 per cent of gross salary).

♦ Insurance

IAESTE requires participants to take out comprehensive personal insurance. You must include proof of insurance coverage on the acceptance note before you return it to your national IAESTE office.

Incoming trainees are covered in the same way as UK nationals for industrial accidents under the provision of the Health and Safety at Work Act.

Neither IAESTE UK nor the British Council can be held responsible for any accidents that may occur either at your place of work or elsewhere during your training placement in the UK.