How to Adapt to American Workplace Culture as an International Employee

As if starting a new job isn’t hard enough, relocating to another country to do so adds another layer of complexity. Not only will you have to get acquainted with a new company, colleagues, and workflows, but you’ll also have to quickly adopt new cultural norms.

Even with great preparation, you might still encounter different challenges in communication and customs. Your actions could be misinterpreted, resulting in unnecessary conflict with your peers and management. There are also potential issues when renting, buying groceries, and settling financial affairs.

“Adapting to a new culture isn’t about abandoning your own culture or norms,” explains Connetics USA, a company that provides nursing jobs for foreigners in the US. “It is more about finding ways to reconcile the two teachings so you can operate in a new environment.” 

By developing “cultural fluency,” you’ll be able to communicate with your colleagues and clients in a much more efficient manner. Most importantly, it will allow you to stay true to yourself while excelling in your new position. 

1. Prepare for Performance Pressure 

One of the most shocking aspects of working in the US for many foreigners is the informality. Colleagues often use first names with each other, even with the management. In fact, it is not uncommon for nurses and technicians to refer to doctors and engineers by their first name instead of their title or last name.

Another notable characteristic of the US workplace is the fact that leaders are approachable. Office spaces are designed so you can easily reach anyone without making appointments or going through additional hoops. In fact, it is almost expected that you’ll have a casual chat with your colleagues every time you’re in the canteen or by the water tank.

While this makes it easier to exchange ideas and other information, it can also make things confusing for newcomers. You might have trouble determining the boundaries between professional and personal, which are often blurred in such an environment. What’s even worse, a poorly placed joke can cause your colleagues to frown on you.

One thing you must remember is that all of this is deliberate. Americans are highly focused on performance and are willing to sacrifice their own comfort to facilitate more efficient workflows and communication. So, even if you make a few mistakes along the way, you shouldn’t worry about your position as long as you perform according to expectations. 

2. Be Active and Communicative

Meetings are an integral part of American office life and, as a foreigner, you might require some time to get used to them. Managers usually prepare a specific agenda in advance, going through points at lightning speed. But these meetings are not a formality. They strive toward clear decisions for each employee and team.

If a meeting takes too long, slowed down by unnecessary discussions without any resolution, management considers it a procedural failure. This is why they often feel awkward around people from countries where meetings are supposed to please everyone and reach a unanimous consensus. In fact, management expects you won’t need to go over the meeting points once the meeting adjourns. 

You also have to consider your own role in these meetings. Being physically present isn’t enough; managers expect you to be an active participant. Unlike some cultures where employees are required to obey and agree with the boss, Americans encourage employees to speak up and even interrupt their seniors. 

3. Promote Yourself 

Believe it or not, self-promotion is a business behavior that is widely accepted in the US, while frowned upon in many other countries. Unlike Europeans and Asians, who consider modesty a virtue, talking about your own contributions is the best way to draw attention to what you’ve done.

Talking about your achievements is especially beneficial if you’re part of a large team or in a company where staff have varying levels of autonomy. In these situations, managers don’t have enough time to monitor everyone, which is why you need to point them to everything you’ve done during the work week.

Nevertheless, you have to be smart about things, as you don’t want to come off as arrogant, a characteristic that might undermine team efforts. Instead, you must learn how to communicate your contribution the right way. Provide reports based on data, while removing the individual component from the equation.

4. Prioritize Direct Communication

Like with anything else, Americans are trying to streamline and optimize their communication. Compared to your own culture, where this type of communication is perceived as inappropriate, US managers encourage disagreement, brainstorming, and challenging everything for the greater good.

Besides openly sharing your opinion, you must be prepared to receive direct feedback. But the workplace is also characterized by numerous social rituals. Asking about colleagues’ families and weekends is completely normal and even encouraged. Companies introduce different group activities, including barbecues, sports events, and retreats. 

5. Broaden Your Social Group

Another interesting thing about Americans is that they actively pursue professional relationships within and outside their immediate groups. Networking as a concept is widely accepted within just about any industry and is almost considered a responsibility among professionals who want to further their careers. 

But you don’t necessarily have to stick to your own team. Asking a colleague from another department, or even your supervisor, for coffee is completely normal. Even if you’re not looking for immediate benefits, this could unlock different opportunities down the line. 

Many international workers have trouble adjusting to this concept. To them, it all might feel a bit too transactional. However, if you engage with these individuals honestly and authentically, not only will you have a chance to improve your career, but you will also broaden your social circle. 

Adapting to a New Professional Environment 

While some of these unwritten social rules seem awkward to foreigners, most of them adapt rather quickly. By following these tips and maintaining a direct yet authentic posture with your colleagues and superiors, you can find real friends and give your career a much-needed boost.