Foreigners regard Aussies as a relaxed lot, and it’s true. This laid-back approach permeates many aspects of Australian workplace culture as well. They like to socialise, keep things informal and have plenty of time off work.
As a result, when immigrants work abroad in Australia, they go through some culture shock. Yet, despite Australians’ relaxed approach to life, they’re hard-working. They behave differently in a workplace than folks from other cultures.
To begin with, it’s not uncommon for Australians to swear or use slang at work. They typically work longer hours and won’t turn down more tasks. Read on to learn about 10 things in workplace culture in Australia that will surprise you, plus how to get an Australian work visa.
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Aussies Hardly Ever Refuse Additional Work
How to work abroad in Australia? Employees who refuse to accept work are not valued in the corporate world. The same is true in Australia.
People hardly ever say no to additional tasks. Australians typically respond with “no worries” and make the time, even if they’re already busy as heck.
Australians Enjoy Socializing
Workplace culture in Australia encourages socialising on the job. Finding time for conversation with your coworkers is much simpler when you have flexible working hours. But as a result, many Australians decide against socialising after work.
If they do go out when they knock off, it’s usually a Wednesday or a Friday.
Australians Are Punctual People
Many foreigners working down under have noticed that Australians take punctuality seriously. This may be at odds with Aussies’ generally upbeat attitude, yet it’s consistent with Australian corporate culture. The amount of work that needs to be done in a single day makes time management crucial.
If you’re five minutes late in the morning, no one will feel sorry for you. Additionally, your coworkers could believe you’re wasting their time. As a result, people frequently show up at work a little early.
But being on time is only one aspect of punctuality in Australians’ eyes. It’s crucial to stick to a schedule. They expect you not to make it longer if you’ve planned a one-hour meeting. Therefore, it’s paramount to be brief and pithy.
Less Hierarchy Is Common at Work
If you’ve googled “work abroad Australia,” you may have read about the hierarchy. Australia places less weight on office hierarchy than other nations. Employees receive the same treatment in most offices.
Strong emphasis is placed on the team as opposed to any prominent person. This contributes to the laid-back environment that foreign workers appear to like. Compared to other nations, it also allows for a less competitive workplace atmosphere in Australia.
Most Aussies Commute by Car
Despite the generally balmy weather, Australians don’t tend to spend much time outdoors. A survey found that two-thirds drive their cars to work. Also, barely 10% of Australians use public transportation to reach their workplace.
While many Melbournians ride their bicycles to work, Sydneysiders don’t. Some Sydney residents take the train to work when they don’t drive a car. Bikes aren’t popular.
Sydney’s car drivers are not fond of motorcycle riders, and the city also has severe cycling regulations.
Australians Speak Up
People tend to express their opinions since there is less hierarchy in the workplace. Managers encourage their employees to offer suggestions and express their opinions. Everyone can share their thoughts and will be heard.
The same applies outside the office. Australians are pretty straightforward and tell you what they think. They don’t hesitate to express their views. Communication becomes a lot easier and more sincere as a result.
Australians Start Their Days Early
Many people who live abroad can begin their workday at 9 am or later. But not in Australia. People start their shifts around 8:30 am.
That’s not to say they can knock off work early in the afternoon. Australians typically put in more hours at work than people from other cultures. But there is considerable flexibility here as well.
For instance, there may not be any regular lunch breaks at all in some jobs. Instead, people can eat lunch out whenever it is most convenient. They also don’t need to call their supervisor to let them know they will be back from the lunch break five minutes late.
This is because everyone works hard, even during breaks. Therefore, those few minutes won’t change much. As far as Australia is concerned, working abroad is an excellent idea.
Australia is often cited as an example of a thriving company culture.
Australians Use Slang
Australia’s workplace culture places a high priority on time. Therefore, it’s no surprise that regular business discussion involves shortening words and using slang. Like what?
People say “doco” instead of “document.” Spreadsheets in Excel are referred to as “spreadies,” and PowerPoint presentations are “presos.” Australians work so hard; they invented “hard yakka,” to name it.
Aussies Are Coffee Addicts
People down under frequently stop for quick coffee breaks. They’re free to go out and grab a coffee anytime they want because of the flexible working hours. In Australia, coffee has become a crucial component of the professional environment.
People typically talk business during lunch breaks in the States. In Australia, they do that while sipping a cup of joe outside. Coffee is always part of the ritual, even if no deal is made during the meeting.
Australians spend more than $800 million annually on takeaway and in-house coffee. That equals almost five kilograms of coffee per person and year.
Every Australian gets 20 days off a year
Despite all our hard work, Australians also get some time to relax. The average Australian has 20 days of leave a year. Besides that, they also have about a dozen public holidays off.
If you plan your days off well, you can get up to 50 days off a year, including weekends and holidays.
How to Get an Australian Work Visa
The fastest, simplest, and most popular way to start the Australian working visa application process is through the General Skilled Migration Program. You must submit an EOI to see if you qualify for a working visa under the General Skilled Migration Program (Expression of Interest). The Australian immigration authorities use SkillSelect, an online application, to prioritise candidates based on a points-based system.
Depending on your numerous professional or educational experiences, you receive points. Aside from fulfilling other eligibility requirements, your chances of getting an Australian work visa increase significantly if you achieve the minimum required points.
Do you need help getting a working visa? Book a free consultation today. UIS Australia can also assist you in getting other types of visas, like family visas, business visas, tourist visas, or student visas. We also offer CV optimisation, job search services and can help you become a permanent resident in Australia.
