Understanding work culture in Buenos Aires
Argentines, don't say Argentinians, are friendly once you get to know them and they get to know you. If you want to stay and work in Argentina, then learning the culture is a must. It can be difficult to understand, but you will get used to it. Just remember that understanding and taking the time to invest in building relationships with co-workers is one of the greatest factors which make working in Buenos Aires simple and fun.
The general behaviour at workplaces in Buenos Aires
Argentina has a phrase which pretty much sums up the Argentine approach to business: “Minana.” Everything can be put off until tomorrow. There's no rush. Why be in a hurry?
Unless you are an expat, then things change. Even though the pace of business here feels slower than in America or Europe, expats are expected to be punctual for business appointments. Despite that, be ready to wait at least 30-minutes for everyone else. It doesn't take long in Argentina to learn that Argentines are opposed to the country's economic change.
Exports are good, but as local businesses connect with multinational ones, the cherished, slow-paced company culture is on its way out.
The three-hour lunches, followed by Siestas are gone. In rural Argentina, Siesta time is right after lunch, but don't expect that in Buenos Aires.
Business hours are normally Monday to Friday, from 9 am to 6 pm. Executives can expect put in longer hours, often working until 10 pm after years of executives twiddling their thumbs. That is changing.
The professional dress code in Buenos Aires
At work, most Argentine women are well-dressed — bordering on elegant. Men are given a little more room, and in less formal jobs, they don't wear ties — but forget jeans and sneakers. For Americans, the best guideline is “Friday dress casual.”
The dress code for most workplaces is smart, but something too flashy will get you several odd looks. In general, younger employees at high-tech companies are allowed a more informal attire while older employees in other industries dress professional but relaxed.
Office greetings in Buenos Aires
In terms of business etiquette, don't be brash or abrupt with colleagues or clients.
Get used to the kissing. There's lots of it — even the men, but not all of them. Executives with international business experience are accustomed to the good old-fashioned handshake. Those with limited experience still kiss.
Argentines kiss when they get to work, when they leave for lunch, when they get back from lunch and when they leave for the day. Like ‘Aloha' means both hello and good-bye in Hawaii, a kiss is a greeting or a good-bye. And yes — kiss the ladies, but not on the lips.
The proper way to kiss either sex is to place your cheek, usually the right one, close to the other person's cheek and make a smacking noise in the air. Maybe it's not a real kiss, but anything more daring will get you sent to the Human Resources office.
Office parties in Buenos Aires
Check your calendar. If it's Friday and it's closing time, it's time to party. Usually, most workers head out to Happy Hour Fridays, which can last until Saturday morning.
Generally, everyone heads to the same watering hole and splitting into groups increases as the night goes on.
Make every effort to attend the Friday-after-work-parties, at least for the first several weeks. Otherwise, you risk being seen as a buzzkill and someone who may feel too good to mingle with colleagues.
If drinking is your thing, fine, have at it, but don't go overboard. Even in wild, romantic Buenos Aires, there are still limits on tolerable behaviour.
