When hiring in a new country, it is important that you understand the local employment landscape, and particularly, employee expectations. Employees in different countries have very different expectations, which are largely based on their cultural norms and the laws and regulations of their home country. The United Kingdom offers a highly skilled employee pool, with corresponding employee expectations. The British labor market is also more highly regulated than many countries, including the United States.
This article will discuss common employee expectations and norms in the UK, not employment laws and regulations. Although, they are often intertwined. You can learn more about UK employment laws and regulations in the Globig Knowledge Base. Below are some of the employee expectations you should expect to understand and work with if you bring on employees in the UK. If you offer something significantly different, it will put you at a competitive disadvantage in hiring great British employees.
Salaries and Pay
Most British employees still expect an annual bonus, which is usually given in the beginning of December, just before Christmas. The amount of this bonus varies among employers throughout the UK. Unlike Germany, there is no set expectation of a certain amount or percentage of salary. Furthermore, most British employees also expect cost of living adjustments (inflation) to be made, generally annually.
Work-Life Balance
British employees have traditionally not had as much work-life balance when compared to other close European nations like Germany. However, today employees and employers in the UK are more mindful of the positive business and personal impact a good work-life balance has on people and business. However, there are few family friendly companies in the UK.
In the UK, the workweek is legally limited to 48 hours, however it can be waived in writing, which is fairly common. Like Americans, many Brits say they work as hard as they could, that they could not work any harder. In general, office job hours are 9:00-5:00, however, most employees are at their desk by 8:30. Many employees will work longer than the traditional 8 hours.
Managers and many professionals in the UK work much more and routinely expect to bring their work home with them. Although most prefer to stay late rather than bring work home with them. With home internet and cell phones, most do not expect to have privacy or downtime.
The UK has less public holidays than most other European nations, and those public holidays are generally “bank holidays,” which most businesses, particularly retail do not recognize. However, employees who work on these bank holidays are generally paid extra.
The British do benefit from lengthy, legally required, paid holiday (vacation) time. Most British employees get more than 4 weeks of paid holiday per year, and they take annual holidays during the summer months of July and August.
Work Culture
Although the British have a strong sense of equality, they still adhere to a more strict hierarchical workplace model. The Brits tend to defer to seniority, perhaps more than credentials. However, this model is not as strict as many hierarchical business cultures, such as China or even France. Subordinates are free to communicate with their superiors, and in an informal manner. Furthermore, many supervisors prefer to work with their subordinates to come to a consensus rather than send down orders. Because of this, the British tend to be indirect and subtle communicators. They also tend to sugar coat things or try to be non-confrontational. So, “let’s look at some other options,” might really mean “I don’t like your idea.” You might also see humor used to defuse tension.
In general, British professionals still adhere to professional dress at work. Furthermore, companies with non-professional employees will generally provide their employees with a work-based uniforms. Keep in mind, this varies among some industries and companies, with some allowing for more creative and unique dress. The startup world is the biggest exception to this general rule. In the startup world, the dress is more casual and trendy. However, if you are uncertain, you should still err on the side of professional.
Along the same vein, today’s British companies, particularly startups, are more likely and willing to upend some of these business norms. UK companies are more likely to offer their employees flexibility in their work schedules and stray from the hierarchical business model.
In business, the British place a high value on punctuality. With this in mind, employees are not late to work or to meetings. Furthermore, British employees will work overtime to meet their deadlines. The Brits tend to socialize with their coworkers at work and outside of work after hours. It is not uncommon for coworkers to go to the pub after work for a pint (or more). In fact, many a business deal is negotiated over a beer at the pub in the UK.
Benefits
Many benefits that are considered fringe by U.S. standards are required by law in the UK, such as paid vacation, sick leave and maternity leave. The National Health Service (NHS) offers free medical care to all UK residents. Fringe benefits in the UK vary greatly among companies, industries, and even positions. Some common fringe benefits include company phones and computers, company cars (sometimes with fuel cards), meals (often lunch), public transit payment or reimbursement, savings and retirement contributions, stock and other equity options.
It is imperative that you adjust your employment practices and employees expectations to the UK market if you want to hire and keep top quality employees. This is especially true in today’s competitive market, particularly in the tech and startup industries. If you make these adjustments, you will be happy with your UK talent and they will be happy with you.
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