Spending the summer working in Dublin has given me the opportunity to observe some of the subtle yet important differences between American and Irish business cultures. While both countries share many commonalities, the way people approach the workday, coworkers, and life outside of work can be quite different.
One noticeable difference is the way people approach their everyday workload. In the U.S., there’s usually an emphasis on fast results, individual responsibility, and making quick decisions. American workers tend to measure their job performance in terms of the total work they complete, myself included. Irish business culture still has a focus on completing work, but there is definitely less of an emphasis on the total number of tasks completed. In the weakness section of my first supervisor evaluation, my boss told me, “Don’t feel you have to constantly be completing tasks–feel free to take a bit more time on your work”. What feels like a lack of urgency to me at times is actually an emphasis on quality and a calm pace while working.
Outside of the office, one of the differences I’ve noticed here is the contrast in attitude toward work-life balance. In Texas, the ability to be available outside of work to answer calls and emails or be available to work on the move is common. In Dublin, people tend to separate their schedules between personal and work time very strongly. Most of my coworkers take full advantage of their vacation days, sometimes taking off a whole month. It’s not expected for you to be checking emails after hours or working on weekends. There’s a greater barrier between work and the rest of life, and I can tell why Irish people appreciate that.
Social interaction in the workplace also feels different. In Ireland, getting to know your coworkers outside of work is an essential aspect of professional relationships. Whether it’s grabbing coffee or meeting for a pint after work, building relationships is considered an essential part of working together. In the U.S., it can be daunting to go out to a bar with coworkers, especially if most are higher in seniority than you. Questions about conversation etiquette and what to order to make a good impression can swirl through your head. In Ireland, a trip to the pub after work has far less stress, as everyone partakes in conversation and orders quite freely. This can last for hours; just last Friday, the workday was called early at 3 pm, and we stayed out pub hopping until nearly 9 pm. It was a battle to pay for my own drinks and I ate at least a dozen wings thanks to the generosity of my coworkers.
Overall, working in Dublin has taught me that business isn’t just about what you do but also how you do it. Understanding cultural differences has helped me become more adaptable and aware, which I know will be useful wherever my career takes me. I have enjoyed almost every minute of my stay and have made memories that I’ll always keep with me. It’s been an eye-opening experience and one that I’ll take with me moving forward.
