How to achieve cultural awareness in the workplace

Today, international companies with a large number of globally mobile staff, are the rule rather than the exception. This means that one of the challenges of managing expats is navigating a plethora of unwritten social rules and being sensitive to other peoples’ cultures. One of the responsibilities of an expat employee is to acknowledge if there is a problem and deal with it.

What does culture mean?
The definition of culture is different in the workplace than in private life. For example, when we talk about culture outside of work, it often refers to the diverse customs and beliefs held by different nationalities. Whereas, the culture of an organisation refers to the how a diverse workforce comes together to determine how the company operates as a whole. A workplace culture that reflects a diverse workforce is vital to a viability of the business.

Cultural competency
As an expat working in different cultures, you need to ask yourself a very important question: How successful are your interactions with people with a different first language, socio economic group or different religion? If you find it difficult you need to ask for help. Being culturally competent is essential if you are to make a success as an expat employee. Employers expect their staff to find a way to overcome the language barrier and to be mindful of any unwritten social rules and to work well together for the good of the company.

Working through the communication barrier
We’re only human. Everyone is different. We all have our own ideas about how things should be done. Your belief system and norms may be completely alien to your colleagues’ and vice versa. For example, someone standing too close or touching your arm, may be uncomfortable. Similarly, if there are a number of different nationalities attending a meeting, turning up at the right time could be tricky; some cultures expect punctuality, others feel the need to arrive 10 minutes early, and others would think nothing of being 20 minutes late.

If left unchecked, these types of cultural differences can cause trust issues, leaving you feeling exposed and a little frustrated when faced with a foreign culture. Even though these would be natural reactions, they are also counterproductive, for you, your colleagues and for your employer. The good news is that cultural awareness can be learnt in the same way as a language.

Five styles of communication
Firstly, you need to understand that there are five different types of communication:

1.  Detached v attached
2. Concrete v abstract
3. Intellectual engagement v relational engagement
4. Direct v Indirect
5. Linear v circular

Some people like to get straight to the point, whereas others consider it rude not to lead in to a question with a polite preamble. In general, North Americans are considered to be detached, concrete, intellectually engaged and linear. If this is different to how you would communicate, recognising the cultural differences can help you stay calm and reduce your frustration.

Characteristics of a successful expat
Diversity is the new normal, so learning to communication effectively with colleagues is vital for both the business and your own career trajectory. An understanding of co-workers’ values and beliefs, will go a long way towards working together smoothly.

No one expects you to be conversant with every religious and cultural custom, but you can stop to consider if there is a reason behind different behaviour and be aware of cultural differences. Christian holidays are different to Hindu holidays, colleagues may be operating in a different time zone, some may prize individual achievement above team co-operation, and as mentioned already, communication styles maybe different.

Break through the language barrier
As an expat, it’s likely that many of your colleagues speak a different language as their mother tongue. Yet, they are either learning or almost fluent in English! So why don’t you start learning their lingo to bridge the language barrier? As an expat you should try to learn the language of your host company as a matter of courtesy and of course you need to communicate clearly in the workplace.

Just as important, when communicating with colleagues in English, if it isn’t their first language, you must remember to moderate your speed, pronunciation and vocabulary (no slang or buzzwords) to make it easier for the listener to understand. If preparing a presentation, use visual aids and imagery to further support your message.

Diversity training
If you are finding it difficult to adapt to unfamiliar surroundings and the day to day interaction with colleagues, find out about any training or coaching your company may be able to offer you. Diversity training helps with awareness, attitude, knowledge and skills.

Don’t forget, you’re are a product of your background and everyone has a certain amount of bias. This is not a problem, unless it interferes with your ability to perform in a diverse work environment. If it is an issue, the right professional training can help you see the big picture, work through your prejudices and learn vital skills, enabling you to be a much more confident and productive member of a diverse workplace culture.