Work Peculiarities Around the World全球職場文化面面觀

In our increasingly interconnected world， understanding the diverse tapestry of workplace cultures across different countries is crucial for anyone engaged in or aspiring towards international business.

在我們這個日益互通互聯的世界，對于任何正在從事或者渴望從事國際商務的人來說，了解不同國家多元的職場文化都至關重要。

Workplace culture， often a reflection of broader societal values， encompasses everything from working hours and communication styles to how breaks and vacations are structured. These practices can vary dramatically from one country to another， influenced by historical， economic， and social factors.

職場文化通常是更為寬泛的社會價值觀的體現，涵蓋從工作時長、溝通方式到休息和休假安排等方方面面。受歷史、經濟和社會因素的影響，職場文化在不同國家間呈現出顯著差異。

United States

美國

The workplace culture in the United States is characterized by a strong focus on achievement and efficiency， often driven by a competitive market environment.

美國的職場文化以高度重視業績和效率為特征，這往往源于競爭激烈的市場環境。

Working hours： The typical American workweek runs about 40 hours， but it’s not uncommon for individuals， especially in managerial or professional roles， to work longer hours to meet deadlines or achieve career advancement.

工作時長：美國人標準的周工作時長約40小時，但個人——尤其是管理崗位或專業崗位上的職場人——為追趕項目進度或謀求職業發展而加班加點并不罕見。

Breaks： Breaks during the workday are usually brief， with a short lunch period and few other pauses， emphasizing a continuous workflow.

休息時間：工作日的休息時間通常很短暫，午餐時間不長，幾乎沒有其他休息時間，強調工作節奏的連貫性。

Vacations： The U.S. is notorious for having one of the lowest numbers of vacation days taken per year worldwide. An average US worker is eligible for only 11 days of paid leave per year. This period can be increased to 15 days after five years of service in private sector and to 17 days after ten years.

休假制度：美國是出了名的年休假天數最少的國家之一。美國普通員工每年僅有11天的帶薪假期。在私營企業工作滿5年，帶薪假期可增加至15天；工作滿10年，則可增加到17天。

Hierarchy and communication： American workplaces value directness and transparency， with a clear emphasis on individual achievement and meritocracy. Decision-making is often swift， aiming to drive results and foster innovation.

等級與溝通：美國職場崇尚直截了當和開誠布公，明確強調個人業績和精英管理。決策通常迅速果斷，旨在產出成果和促進創新。

Work etiquette： For those adjusting to an American work environment， understanding the importance of punctuality， professionalism， and proactive communication is key. This setting rewards those who show initiative and can navigate a fast-paced， results-oriented work environment.

工作禮儀：對于那些正在適應美國工作環境的人來說，理解守時、專業精神和積極溝通的重要性是關鍵所在。在這樣的職場環境中，那些積極主動且能適應高效務實工作氛圍的人會獲得回報。

Japan

日本

The Japanese workplace culture is profoundly group-oriented and hierarchical， where the needs of the organization often take precedence over individual preferences. This collective approach is deeply ingrained in Japanese society and is reflected in every aspect of work life.

日本的職場文化具有強烈的集體導向性且等級森嚴，在這種職場文化中，組織的需求往往優先于個人的意愿。這種重視集體的行為方式在日本社會根深蒂固，也體現在職場生活的方方面面。

The emphasis is on harmony， precision， and respect for established protocols and seniority， which guide both professional conduct and business operations. Loyalty and commitment to the company are highly valued， and employees are generally expected to contribute to the welfare of the group by working hard and often sacrificing personal time.

日本職場文化注重和諧、精準及對既定規程和資歷的尊重，這些對職業行為和業務運作起著指導作用。員工對公司的忠誠與奉獻備受重視，公司通常期望員工通過努力工作和頻繁犧牲個人時間來為團隊利益做出貢獻。

Working hours： Employees typically face long working hours， and significant overtime is a common aspect of the job， reflecting a strong dedication to one’s employer and position.

工作時長：日本員工普遍面臨超長工時，大量加班是家常便飯，凸顯出他們對雇主和工作崗位的強烈奉獻精神。

Breaks： In Japan， workplace naps， known as “inemuri，” are accepted and even encouraged to boost productivity; other breaks are usually short and efficient.

休息時間：在日本，職場午睡被稱為“居眠”（又稱日本瞇），這種行為不僅被接受，甚至還得到鼓勵，以提高工作效率；其他休息時段通常簡短高效。

Vacations： Despite the fact that law grants each Japanese worker 10 days of paid leave per year， employees often use very few of these days， prioritizing work commitments over personal time off.

休假制度：盡管法律規定每位日本員工每年享有10天的帶薪假期，但員工實際休假天數往往很少，總是優先安排工作，個人休假次之。

Hierarchy and communication： Communication tends to be indirect， with a high respect for authority guiding interactions. Decision-making is usually top-down and can involve several layers of approval.

等級與溝通：溝通往往是間接的，交往互動中高度尊重權威。決策通常自上而下，可能經過多層審批。

Work etiquette： Showing respect and achieving consensus are vital. Understanding subtle body language and non-verbal cues play a significant role in effective communication and maintaining harmony in the workplace.

工作禮儀：表達尊重和達成共識至關重要。了解微妙的肢體語言和非語言暗示在有效溝通及維護職場和諧方面發揮著重要作用。

Italy

意大利

Italian workplace culture features a balanced approach with a clear separation between professional and personal life， emphasizing quality of life alongside work commitments. This culture highly values personal interactions and a relaxed pace of life， which extends into the work environment.

意大利的職場文化體現了一種平衡的風格，工作和個人生活界限分明，在注重工作責任的同時，也強調生活質量。這種文化高度重視人際交往和閑適從容的生活節奏，這種特質也延伸到了工作環境中。

Italians typically integrate a significant amount of personal expression and comfort into their workday， making the atmosphere at work more informal and familial. The focus on maintaining a healthy work-life balance is evident in the structured yet flexible work schedules， which accommodate family life and social activities.

意大利人通常會在工作日融入大量的個人表達和舒適元素，使工作氛圍更加輕松隨意和家庭化。他們注重保持工作與生活間的合理平衡，這一點明顯體現在既有條理又靈活的工作安排中，這種安排包容了家庭生活和社交活動。

Working hours： The standard workweek complies with national limits， with most people adhering strictly to these regulations to ensure a good work-life balance.

工作時長：標準工作周遵循國家規定，大多數人嚴格遵守這些規定，以確保工作與生活的良好平衡。

Breaks： Italians enjoy extended lunch breaks， known as “riposo，” which can last up to two hours， allowing time for social interactions and a leisurely meal， reflecting the social nature of Italian culture.

休息時間：意大利人享有較長的午餐休息時間（意大利語稱為riposo），時長可達兩小時。員工可以參與社交和悠閑用餐，體現了意大利職場文化的社交屬性。

Vacations： Italians enjoy from 22 to 26 days of paid leave each year. They can save as many unused days as they want， but they have to use them by the end of June the following year. Employers must compensate any unused vacation days remaining after June 30. Italy offers generous vacation allowances and observes numerous national holidays， with most employees taking full advantage of this time to relax and spend time with family.

休假制度：意大利人每年享有22至26天的帶薪假期。他們可以任意積攢未使用的假期，但必須在來年6月底前休完。6月30日后未使用的假期，雇主須給予補償。意大利的假期福利優厚，還有眾多法定節假日，大多數員工會充分利用休假放松身心、陪伴家人。

Hierarchy and communication： Italian businesses often operate like extended families， with somewhat informal but respectful communication. Relationships are highly valued， and networking is seen as essential.

等級與溝通：意大利企業的運營通常類似于大家庭，溝通較為隨意但不失尊重。人際關系受到高度重視，建立人脈也被認為至關重要。

Work etiquette： Emphasis is placed on personal relationships and appropriate attire. Dressing well is considered a sign of respect in professional settings， and informal， friendly greetings are common in daily interactions.

工作禮儀：注重私人關系和得體著裝。在職業場合，穿著得體被視為尊重他人的表現；在日常交往中，輕松友好的問候十分常見。

Brazil

巴西

Brazilian workplace culture is relaxed and highly interpersonal， with a significant emphasis on building relationships and social interaction within the workplace.

巴西的職場文化自在輕松且高度重視人際交往，非常看重在職場中建立關系和社交互動。

This culture prizes personal connections and a warm， friendly atmosphere， where people feel valued and part of a community.

這種職場文化珍視私人關系和溫暖友好的工作氛圍，身處其中能讓人感覺受重視，從而產生歸屬感。

Working hours： Work hours are generally flexible， with a clear emphasis on maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Businesses may offer varying start and end times to accommodate employees’ personal lives.

工作時長：工作時間通常較為靈活，明確強調保持工作與生活間的合理平衡。企業可能會提供不同的上下班時間選擇，以適應員工的個人生活需求。

Breaks： Breaks are longer and more social， including extended lunch breaks and casual coffee breaks， which are an integral part of the day for networking and relaxation.

休息時間：休息時間較長且社交性較強，其中包括較長的午餐休息時間和輕松的咖啡歇，這些都是日常建立人脈和放松身心不可或缺的部分。

Vacations： Employees in Brazil enjoy extensive vacation time—30 days—and take full advantage of national holidays， which are celebrated with enthusiasm and joy， often incorporating large social and family gatherings.

休假制度：巴西員工享有長達30天的假期，還有法定節假日可以充分休息，人們會熱情滿滿、開開心心地度假，通常會參加大型的社交活動和家庭聚會。

Hierarchy and communication： While there is a hierarchical structure， the approach to communication is open and warm， making the workplace feel more inclusive and supportive. Leadership is often seen as part of the team， rather than as a remote authority.

等級與溝通：雖然存在等級制度，但溝通方式開放且友好，這使職場顯得更包容和可依賴。領導層通常被視為團隊的一部分，而非高高在上的權威。

Work etiquette： Greetings are friendly， and a casual yet respectful dress code is usually sufficient in most business settings. Embracing the local culture of warmth and openness can significantly enhance professional relationships and workplace satisfaction.

工作禮儀：問候親切友好，大多數商務場合通常只需不失尊重的休閑著裝。融入當地熱情開放的文化氛圍可以顯著提升職場人際關系和工作滿意度。

（譯者為“《英語世界》杯”翻譯大賽獲獎者）