During my semester abroad in London, I lived in Maida Vale while interning at the Civil Service College near St. James’s Park as a finance intern. One cultural observation that stood out was the British practice of maintaining a formal and reserved demeanor in the workplace. This was quite different from the more casual and direct communication style I was accustomed to in both Jamaica, where I was born and raised, and Orlando, where I moved for school. My British colleagues often communicated indirectly and politely, especially in interactions with superiors and during meetings.
At first, I found this reserved and formal workplace culture challenging. The indirect communication made it difficult to gauge genuine feedback on my performance, and the emphasis on politeness sometimes felt like a barrier to forming closer relationships with my colleagues. Navigating the hierarchical structure was also tricky, as I was unsure how to approach superiors or seek guidance. This formality was a sharp contrast to the more relaxed and open office culture I was used to, where feedback was straightforward and the organizational hierarchy felt less pronounced.
From the perspective of my British colleagues, this formal and reserved demeanor in the workplace reflects deeply ingrained cultural values of professionalism, respect, and politeness. In the UK, maintaining a certain level of formality ensures that workplace interactions remain respectful and productive. Indirect communication is often used to avoid confrontation and to express criticism in a way that minimizes discomfort for the recipient. The hierarchical structure is respected as a means of maintaining order and clarity in roles and responsibilities within the organization. This approach to workplace culture emphasizes the importance of professionalism and decorum, which is seen as crucial to fostering a harmonious and efficient working environment.
Reflecting on this cultural difference has deepened my understanding of the importance of adapting to different workplace norms and communication styles. It taught me that what might seem overly formal or indirect from one cultural perspective can be seen as a sign of respect and professionalism from another.
By trying to understand the British approach to workplace interactions, I developed a greater appreciation for the value of politeness and the role it plays in creating a respectful and orderly work environment. This experience has equipped me with the skills to navigate different cultural expectations in professional settings, which is essential in a multicultural and globalized world.
Learning to adapt to this formal workplace culture has also enhanced my ability to communicate effectively and build relationships across cultural boundaries. It underscored the importance of being open-minded and flexible when working in diverse environments. These skills are crucial for thriving in international and multicultural settings, where understanding and respecting cultural differences can lead to more effective collaboration and better professional outcomes.
