Now that my study abroad and internship experience in London has come to and end, I have been able to look back on the aspects of London, its culture, and distinctive characteristics which contributed toward my experience as an outsider, whether that be positive or more difficultly.
Throughout my years as a student and growing professional, I have been able to work or intern in various and vastly different location around the world including the Dominican Republic, the United States, and now, the United Kingdom. One distinctive factor I was able to pick up on regarding British culture, was their stronger appreciation for work-life balance that shined through in a variety of ways. Whether it was through an insistence in taking all your vacation days from managers or having an after-work drink at the pub, it seemed to me that the British highly value down-time, wellness, and social connection. I was able to talk to some of my peers at my internship site and confirm that this was not a trait specific to my workplace or industry, and was pleased to realize the positive work-life balance trend that is being engrained in British culture as time passes by. This was not something I felt as strongly in my previous work experiences in other locations.
When I first took notice of this cultural trait through the words and actions of my co-workers and supervisors which constantly checked up on myself and the rest of the team, and encouraged vacation days and time-off almost as strongly as the meeting of company goals, I felt a mixture of feelings. Initially, I was surprised and was hesitant to really voice if I was ever feeling unwell and felt like staying home, regardless of if it was something my supervisors not only accepted, but also encouraged. It was a departure from the culture I had encountered in previous work environments, where there might have been an unspoken expectation to prioritize work over personal well-being. Instead, my colleagues displayed openness with which my colleagues discussed taking time off, whether for a well-deserved holiday or simply to recharge. Despite my initial reservations, I soon recognized the positive impact of this cultural approach to work-life balance. My supervisors consistently emphasized that a well-rested and fulfilled team is more likely to perform at their best, fostering creativity, productivity, and a more positive work environment. This perspective stood in stark contrast to the notion that long working hours equate to increased dedication or effectiveness, which is how I have previously felt and can assume many people envision work back home, and therefore would not hold work-life balance to such high levels of importance, simply because they are not used to that being a priority, or expect it to.
I can imagine that this is a cultural characteristic that British people take pride in as a cultural norm, as it not only can bring many positive benefits but also showcases strong societal values and reflects a broader trend towards prioritizing individual well-being and mental health. I would think that the observed work-life balance trend in the UK is considered a fundamental aspect of their cultural identity, contributing to a healthier and more sustainable approach to professional life.
By comparing and contrasting cultural preferences and norms across various countries, including work-life balance and each culture’s individual approach, I am able to better analyze and understand the cultural nuances that shape each society’s distinctive characteristics and the background as to why. This exercise has also allowed me to appreciate the uniqueness of each culture’s way of doing things, fostering cultural intelligence and a more comprehensive perspective on global diversity. Recognizing and understanding these cultural distinctions and knowing what to give or take depending on the circumstance, is essential for navigating and constantly adapting to an increasingly interconnected and multicultural world.