WORK ENVIRONMENT

Time is rigorously honored. All decisions/clarifications go through formal business channels. You may find that the use of office supplies including the telephone and fax machines are not rigorously defined but don't take advantage of this. Play it by ear and do not make indiscriminate use of these facilities in any case.

These are some of the main differences between the Indian and the British work environment:

• There are no ‘peons’ or office boys in the British workplace, and everybody gets their own lunch and tea/coffee from coffee machines in their own mugs which, are washed by them.
• Lunchtime is usually a short and casual time when ‘brown-bagged’ (brought from home) or ‘carry out’ sandwiches are eaten sitting at one's desk or with colleagues.
• Those eating out, rarely take off for more than half an hour. The official lunch time depends from place to place and is normally one hour from 12 noon to 1 pm and some companies have their own Cafeterias.
• It is considered rude to talk loudly at work, or to speak with other colleagues in foreign languages even if they are from your country.
• The British are very direct and love to banter. If you are teased, take it in good humor and tease back without insulting anyone.
• Be modest in interactions, and downplay your knowledge and expertise. Let your accomplishments speak for themselves.

CONCEPT OF TIME

The British are also very particular About UK honoring deadlines. They take them very seriously and expect you to do the same.

Note the following:

• Deadlines are honored and stuck to, and the same is expected of you.
• Normally, people tend to arrive exactly on time or even a few minutes before the appointed time. In case of any unforeseen delay, make it a point to call the people concerned and tell them.
• Some people may tell you to come over any time. But you must call ahead, and ask them.
• You should meet clients or people in business only by prior appointment.
• Make sure you are punctual regarding meetings and discussions.
• To British business people, tardiness signals a careless business attitude.

MEETINGS

Note that the British give a lot of importance to meetings. They are also used to clarifying various doubts that your British counterparts may have regarded your reports.

• Meetings are important and have a time limit. You must be able to understand others and get your view across in the allotted time.
• Though the meetings may be informal at the onset, you are expected to have professionalism, competence and depth of knowledge.
• Be on time for the meeting and be prepared for it.
• Listen attentively and take notes during discussions, but don't interrupt a person who is speaking. It is important to show respect for the other person's point of view.
• Be clear on the points you wish to make before you speak and respond to points made before making your own observations. Question but do not accuse and discuss but do not argue.
• Avoid nervous and distracting gestures. When you are meeting two or three people it is appropriate to mention that you would like to take notes on the points discussed.
• As a part of the meeting, you should contribute ideas. Don't hesitate to suggest an idea even if you feel it may not be received well.
• Make sure that you have understood everything that was said at the meeting and that your impressions were correct. Summarize the decisions taken and the action plan.
• Those who propose new ideas and actions must be prepared to implement them.
• The British generally do not like negotiating or high-pressure sales. They value directness. Therefore, present your case in a forthright manner, articulating both the good and the bad.
• Before beginning business meetings, spend a brief period of time in small talk. This social time will be short but will establish a familiar rapport, which is important to the British.

PRESENTATIONS

While working at a company, you will be asked to present the main points of your assignment to your superior, and at the end of your assignment, you will have to present your results, or the finished product. It is important how you make your presentation, because you will make an impression on your company that will stick.

• Presentations need to be tightly linked to a key objective.
• The time spent on preparation decides the effectiveness of your presentation.
• Your points must be related to the goal you are seeking.
• It should be structured in a coherent and logical fashion. Run through your presentation with a colleague, clearing your doubts on tricky words, which will help you fine-tune it, removing obvious mistakes.
• Choose your words and ideas to reflect your goal clearly and effectively. Do not use jargon, slang, or showy words.
• Choose your words and manner according to your situation and the person to whom you are making the presentation.
• During your presentation, if your audience corrects you, thank them, and remember the correction.
• You will be asked many questions so make sure that your facts are up to date and comprehensive. When responding to a question or an observation, respond first to the concerns of the person before making your point.
• Modesty and casualness are British characteristics. A business presentation filled with hype and excitement will not impress the British; instead, it will inspire them to deflate the presenter with caustic humor.
• Do not digress or go into too much detail.

You must look at not just the content but also the process of presentation:

• Speak clearly.
• Don't be too loud or too soft.
• Be aware of your nonverbals or body language, and also be aware of the body language of your audience. Their body language will tell you a lot About UK how they are reacting to you.
• You have a certain amount of time in which to finish and you should use this time profitably. Don't go on and on.

The principal expectations of a British audience are:

• clarity
• progressiveness
• gimmicks/slogans
• hard sell

Count on the attention span being About UK 30 minutes. The British will listen to your presentation attentively, and you must deliver it in a respectful manner.

REPORTS

Reporting is an important managerial process and it is a vital channel of information. Effective practice of your business writing skills is important for sending out good reports.

• Make sure you report is clear and concise. Make sure you use the right syntax, and active verbs are preferred. Whenever possible, keep your sentences short.
• Use simple words and precise sentences, and have as little paper work as possible. Your report must be focussed and to the point.
• Highlight your important points and use graphics or live examples to illustrate a point.
• Be aware of whom you are reporting to and what he/she would need to know.

THE ASSIGNMENT

You must make sure to be fully aware and up-to-date on your job assignment, as you will be expected to be resourceful and productive. It can be difficult with jet lag, fatigue and adapting to the new place, but a little effort will go a long way. Be sure not to be overconfident either, that can be of more harm than help.

DRESS CODES

The dress codes in the UK are not too different from those of the US, meaning that they can be casual, but they are a little more formal. For the first few days, dress formally but after that, play it by ear.

Custom made suits, leather shoes, handbags and wallets, all, relative to India, are very expensive in the UK. Arrange for these before you leave.

Clothing

Clothing is an important part of first impressions and how we react to someone is largely based on our initial response to the person's appearance and first impressions count. Note the following:

• Where formal wear is required by a company, well-fitting, sober, and subdued two-piece suits or trouser and jacket, worn with a white or light-colored shirt and a dark sober tie is the norm.
• Women wear dark colored skirt suits with light-colored shirts.
• As a foreigner, you should dress more conservatively until you are sure what degree of formality is expected.
• Casual clothing (like jeans and T-shirts) is acceptable in some companies, but make sure before you turn up for work dressed like that.
• Jeans are good for casual wear, but shorts should be avoided.

SOCIAL PRACTICES

You will need to interact with colleagues in a social environment at one time or another, either at parties or business dinners in restaurants. This section contains tips on how to handle these occasions.

PARTIES

Parties and business entertaining usually occurs after business hours. You will be entertained often, sometimes on short notice. Take advantage of any invitations to social events. Establishing a successful business relationship hinges on establishing a social relationship as well.

Things to remember:

• The British do not make unannounced visits; always call ahead.
• When invited to a party, or on a social visit, it is customary to take a small gift.
• When you're invited, confirm your acceptance, and get there on time. Don't be the last one to leave.
• If you want to take a friend with you, ask your host in advance.
• If you smoke, it is a good idea to ask first.
• Good conversation topics are sports, which are very popular, and sightseeing, since the British are very proud of their country. Politics and religion are taken very seriously, so expect some strong opinions if you discuss these topics.
• Remember that the British respect people with opinions, even if those opinions conflict with their own. Arguments are considered entertaining, so do not be shy About UK espousing any truly held beliefs.

At a cocktail party, be aware of the following:

• Cocktails are precursors to dinner and such parties are usually held around 7 pm. This might be a time when you are tired and hungry and so may not be the best time to drink. It might be a good idea to drink a glass of cold milk before you go, and if you want to be careful, just drink club soda.
• Try and meet a lot of people at the cocktail party by talking to them, finding common social and professional interests.
• Hold your glass in your left hand while drinking so you can use your right hand to shake hands.

The common informal parties are called "BYOB" parties or Bring Your Own Bottle parties. This means that you have to take your own drinks, but there will be food and music. For these kinds of parties, it's ok for you to get there About UK 20 to 40 minutes late. Also, a common practice is to go to a pub before or for lunch.

DINING OUT

Dining customs as well as kinds of foods differ between countries. In India we are used to eating food without much use of cutlery, unlike in the West. At a formal or semi-formal dinner, remember the following:

• Place your napkin on your lap when seated at the dining table. If you need to leave the table at any point, place your napkin on the table to your left.
• Keep your free hand in your lap or rest your wrist of the edge of the table.
• Do not gesture with your knife, fork or spoon in your hand. If you are not using any cutlery, put it down.
• About UK cutlery, always start from the outside and work your way course by course towards the center.

There may not be many opportunities for formal dinners, but it would be a good idea to be prepared for such occasions. You confidence at the dinner table reflect your personality and sociability. Dinners are great occasions to get to know people because it is a relaxed atmosphere. Use these opportunities to get to know people better.

Note: When you go to a restaurant with friends or colleagues, remember that you're expected to split the bill.

TIPPING

You generally tip after a meal. The accepted amount is 10%-15% of the bill. You can tip your cab driver, but the amount is usually up to you.

DRINKS

The age limit for being able to drink or buy alcohol is 18 and alcohol is pretty freely available. Drinking is very common in the UK, and there are many pubs where people gather at all times of the day for a drink and quick meal.

It is illegal to drive if you have been drinking alcohol. Two servings of any alcoholic drink within two hours will probably make you legally unable to drive. Penalties are severe for drinking and driving.

SMOKING

Smoking is prohibited by law in most public places in the UK. If you need to smoke, remember the following:

• Find out your company's policy on smoking. Observe other smokers, or ask where you are allowed to smoke. Most people step outside to smoke.
• Never smoke in an area designated as “No Smoking”. Rules are very strict. Restaurants and many public places usually have smoking zones.
• You should ensure you have an ashtray with you and that you never litter the floor with empty wrappers and used matches or cigarette stubs.
• If you are being entertained by a colleague or you are visiting him, never light up without asking first.

HYGIENE

Hygiene is an important but personal issue, and it is assumed that you are able to look after that. Some tips to keep in mind:

• Use deodorants even if you bathe daily.
• Avoid hair oil. If essential use non-oily creams.
• Avoid use of oil on the body, even in cold weather.
• Use mouth-freshners (mints) after meals (especially after Indian food). If this is not done it becomes very noticeable at after-lunch meetings and is extremely unpleasant.