Business etiquette in England

Hello everybody,

As you know, professional habits may differ from one country to another. In order to help newly arrived expats better understand their new professional environment in England, we warmly encourage you to share information and insights about the do's and don'ts in the workplace.

For instance, are there office manners? How do you greet your co-workers? Do you greet your management differently? Is there a dress code? Particular rules to observe? Maybe a professional body language?

On another level, what is key for a successful professional meeting? Are there any steps to follow? How do you a start a negotiation?

In other words, what are the most important things to know for a successful professional integration in England?

Thank you in advance for sharing your experience!

Julien

I would say shaking everyone's hand when greeting them is the most universal form in the UK. Very few people will hug their colleagues when greeting them as it is quite familiar and considered unprofessional. So stick with the handshake.

In terms of dress code it really depends on the office you work in or the job sector. For example working in the city in London it is expected to wear formal wear but working in a primary school you can be more casual.