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- One experience I had which created a need for adjustment while in London was coming in to work too early. I was a part of the internship program, and was placed at an in-person job site. I would always come in to work on time at 9 am. I found that my coworkers would often come in 10 to 20 minutes later than that. I really could not begin working without my bosses instruction, so during this time I would typically just wait it out. My boss was never so late that the wait dragged out.
- I found that this delay was not too significant to prevent major work from being completed. I enjoyed this more relaxed view on time and felt myself less pressured or rushed in the morning compared to working in the United States. Additionally, this cushion time helped a lot when there would be train delays or tube strikes, which happened pretty frequently during my time abroad. Overall, I feel that there is less pressure within the corporate workplace in the United Kingdom compared to in the United States. Deadlines are more flexible, people take more vacations, and sick days are granted with more ease. I really appreciated all of these aspects about the British workplace, and have come to feel, like many Brits do, that the working conditions which are common in the United States promote toxic work standards and are not good for employees’ mental health.
- Someone from London would likely view this experience as fairly normal. After speaking to other interns, I found that they had similar experiences within job sites in different industries. Londoners do not typically live to work, but rather work to live. During my time as an intern, many of my coworkers took holiday time. I learned that specifically, during the holiday season of December, many Brits take vacations that can be several weeks long. They may escape the cold and travel to a more tropical destination, or simply be using the time to visit with family. Plus, unlike Americans, Londoners were not afraid to call out sick. They took the necessary time to take care of themselves and did not feel shame for doing so and missing work.
- These reflections will help me respond to future cultural misunderstandings and conflicts by allowing me to practice a mindset in which I think critically about the fundamental differences between two cultures and how history and values can influence people’s behaviors. Overall, these reflections show that different does not have to be negative. Just because two cultures may function differently does not mean that one is any better than the other. It is important to understand not just your own values, but the values of the other person during a cultural misunderstanding. It is also vital to know that you must stand your ground where it matters and move where it doesn’t to you. Compromise is key.
