You did it. You landed the tech job in the EU and you’re ready to start. You know the tech stack, but what about the culture?
For many non-Europeans, the biggest shock isn’t the work; it’s the way work happens. The relationship between work and life is fundamentally different. A good recruitment agency, get-talent.eu in Europe can give you a heads-up, but it’s something you have to experience.
Here’s your crash course on the three biggest differences.
1. Punctuality: It’s Not a Suggestion
In many parts of Europe, time is taken very seriously.
In Germany: If a meeting is at 10:00, it starts at 10:00. Arriving at 10:01 is “late.” Arriving at 10:05 is “rude.” Punctuality in jobs in Germany is a sign of respect.
In Spain/Italy: Things are more relaxed. A 10:00 meeting might start at 10:10.
Your Strategy: As a newcomer, always be 5 minutes early. You can never go wrong with being punctual. For your first 6 months, adopt the “German” standard, no matter where you are.
2. Holidays: They Are Mandatory (and Respected)
This is the single biggest difference from US work culture.
The Benefit: As we’ve covered, 25-30 days of paid leave is standard.
The Culture: You are expected to take all of your holidays. Your boss wants you to take them. It’s seen as a basic human need for recovery.
The “Out of Office” is Sacred: When someone’s email auto-responder says “I am on holiday until August 15th,” it means do not contact this person. They will not be checking email. The company will not burn down. The work will wait.
The Contrast: In many other cultures, “unlimited PTO” is a trap, and not taking a vacation is a “badge of honor.” In Europe, it’s a sign of poor planning or burnout.
3. Lunch Breaks: You Must Leave Your Desk
The “sad desk lunch” is not a common sight.
The Culture: Lunch is a real break.
In France/Spain/Italy: An hour is normal. It’s a social time to sit with colleagues in the Kantine (cafeteria) or go to a local cafe. You are not expected to work or talk about work.
In Germany/Poland: It might be a faster 30-40 minutes, but the principle is the same: you stop working. You leave your desk. You eat, and you clear your head.
The “No-Go”: Eating a smelly sandwich while typing at your desk is often seen as unprofessional, a bit “anti-social,” and bad for your well-being.
Other Quick Tips
Formality: In Germany, you must use the formal “Sie” (you) with new colleagues, especially senior ones. You only switch to the informal “Du” when they invite you to.
Directness: People in the Netherlands and Germany are famously direct. They are not being rude; they are being clear. “This idea is not good” is not a personal attack. It’s an efficient way to get to a better idea.
Work-Life Balance: When 5 PM or 6 PM hits, people leave. Working late every day is not celebrated; it’s seen as a sign that you can’t manage your time.
A staffing agency get-talent.eu in the EU can get you the job, but fitting into the culture is what will make you successful. Observe, adapt, and please take your lunch break.
