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Business culture in the US is substantially different from that in the UK, and varies by region. For example, the North East (New England etc.) is more formal whereas the southern states are more relaxed and “Mediterranean” in business dealings.

Generally speaking doing business is the US is formal but personable. People are friendly and tend to indulge in more small talk in business meetings than in the UK. Business meetings are more commonly over coffee or meals, and may be out of the office environment. It is not uncommon for business meetings to be held over cocktails after normal working hours, or on the golf course.

Networking is a much more important part of business in the US than the UK, and there are many business networking organizations and associations, such as BNI, LeTip and eWomen Network.

Business hours are longer and employees may not have specific hours contractually. Office and professional salaried employees are frequently considered “exempt” from legislation requiring overtime pay, and you may find that you are expected to work whatever hours are required to do the job. It is not unusual for the business day to start at 7:30 and run past 6:00pm. Also, paid time off is substantially less in the US than British workers will be used to. It is common for employers to only provide 1 week “vacation time” in the first year of employment. Most American workers get less than 3 weeks of paid/vacation time off annually. Paid sick time may be as little as 3 days. Employers generally consider paid time off as a benefit, not a right.

Overall most British expats consider that the work ethic among US workers is stronger, and that there is a higher reward for hard work.

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Expat Focus would like to acknowledge the kind help given by Kirstie Wilson of British Business Connection in compiling this guide.

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