8 Biggest Culture Shocks In The UK Work Environment

Dealing With Cultural Shock 

Have you been wondering what it feels like living in the Uk and navigating the work environment? You have plans to move to the UK and wondering what will the cultural shift look like. How would it be compared to your home country? What should you prepare for? Will it be significantly different? 

You will discover variations in how things get done in the UK and how you are used to doing them at home. These include people’s clothing, speech and behaviour, instructional and learning techniques, meals, and perhaps all areas of life.

Living in the UK is unlike any other country. Although no two workplaces in the UK are alike, they do have some similar features.

Office culture is unmistakably different from other regions of the world, such as the United States, Nigeria, and Spain, in terms of everything from mealtime etiquette to office structure.

The following are some of the major cultural shocks you may encounter in the UK:

1. The Love for coffee and tea

This is highly significant in British culture. It is frequently discussed and is necessary for socialising. For example, the British, culturally, enjoy tea. Therefore, when anyone stands up to prepare a warm beverage, such a person should ask others if they would also want a drink.

Food and drink are essential at the pub, where the entire staff may congregate on Friday nights. This is an excellent location to meet your colleagues on a more personal level, which will deepen your professional connection. Grabbing a coffee can also be a means of discussion between you and your boss. 

2. After work, Drinks & Social Events

One notable thing is that the office culture in the United Kingdom is typically quite casual and convivial. For example, birthdays are celebrated mostly with cake and perhaps a casual day of partying.

In addition, coworkers in an organisation often socialise outside of office time. It could be Fridays or Thursdays, depending on the workplace.

It’s an excellent way to socialise and break the ice. Socialising with your colleagues outside of work reduces formalities & office pressure. Other after-work events include bowling, playing golf, and Dart playing. 

Coworkers at various levels also socialise. Everyone is allowed to participate in the company’s sports activities. Senior executives may also go to birthday parties or Friday evening cocktails.

This is not to say that Britons do not put effort into work. However, most Britons believe they are entitled to relaxation after a long week at work. Working in the United Kingdom entails a lot of interacting with coworkers.

3. The Flexibility that comes with Working

There is a lot of support and understanding around childcare. There’s a general understanding that your children come first. That is why today more employees (51% ) in the Uk enjoy the benefits of a flexible work environment. For instance, British women can take almost a year off work after delivering a baby, with a weekly pay of up to £140.98. 

In the United Kingdom, there is also a strong focus on ensuring that employees take care of their mental well-being and overall health at work. You can work from home. Your health and mental well-being are put into consideration.

Flexibility around workstations WFH / office. Depending on the nature of your role and the company. You can choose your preference of work situation.

4. Small Talks

Small talk is fantastic for connecting with coworkers and lets you feel at ease in the office. As most of us do not choose who we work with or sit next to in the workplace every day, it’s crucial to learn the art of small chat.

You could find it amusing if you’re asked, “What’s your plan for the weekend? Engage reasonably in small talks. Sometimes do the asking. Show interest in your colleague’s well-being. Follow up on cogent issues discussed with you.

In the office, discussing career-related topics is one of the simpler things to bring up. Each and every person is able to take part. Everyone has a great story to tell, whether it involves a teammate or a supervisor.

5. Sensitivity 

Everything the British do is centred on civility. The UK was founded principally on organised queues, saying “please” and “thank you.” In the United Kingdom, queue jumping and disorderly pushing-in are strictly prohibited.

Slamming down a door in someone else’s face is the apex of impoliteness, and failing to say “bless you” when someone coughs is virtually an offense. Also, when someone hurts himself or herself, you do not say ‘sorry’ but ‘be careful’ or ‘oh dear’.

Additionally, there are some things you dare not say in the office; otherwise, you could be reported to the Human Resource dept, which could cost you your job. Be more sensitive to your environment.

Be careful not to use stereotypes to describe people in the office. Be cautious not to voice out annoying stereotypes about people’s looks. Don’t be carefree about passing racial or political comments unknowingly, as this might be against the company’s policy.     

6. Office Politics 

This isn’t glaring. It is emotional intelligence and not mere eye service. The fact is that learning about office politics is a brilliant idea if you want to flourish in a commercial setting.

Knowledge of workplace politics may help you develop your career and stop someone from taking advantage of you. We risk falling behind in terms of job progress if we don’t work on developing these skills.

In addition, respect must be shown to all colleagues in UK firms, regardless of job position or age. In contrast to some countries where the older individuals do have the most influence in the business. Your supervisor might be someone younger than you in the UK!

In a British workplace, the Senior manager may sit next to a trainee, and everyone interacts with one another. British workplaces are often quite young, making it much more challenging to distinguish hierarchy. Seniority isn’t always determined by age.

7. Diverse Workforce

You’ll see that the workplace culture in the UK is diverse. There is a diverse culture among different immigrants. These create opportunities to work with people from different parts of the world.

A workforce that includes a wide range of people from various backgrounds is said to be diversified. However, it’s crucial to remember that diversity encompasses more than simply the firm’s demographics. It encompasses everything, including managerial style, communication, and organisational thought processes.

8. Variation in Salary

It is unquestionably true that earnings are greatest in London. The reason for the high mean average is that a third of the top 10% of earnings are employed in London.

Salary/wage rates for London jobs are higher than outside London. Because of the higher cost of living expenses. Folks who work in London are usually given a London allowance. There could be a salary reduction for relocation outside of London. 

Exploring work-life & culture in the UK

You could encounter these eight major cultural differences in the UK work environment. Do you intend to submit an application for higher education in the UK or switch careers path? To locate the programme and Career best for you, contact RKY Careers.