Mexico has a unique cultural heritage, a hard-working population, and a vibrant economy – all of which make it an attractive destination for multinational corporations and entrepreneurs alike. Large international companies such as Volkswagen, General Motors, Samsung, Nestle, and Toyota and thousands of smaller ones have all expanded successfully into the Mexican market – and so can you.
But before expanding your business, it’s vital to take into account cultural differences and how they influence Mexican workplace expectations. Embracing Mexican culture can foster a productive, harmonious, and engaged workplace, reduce misunderstandings and conflict, and enhance employee retention and recruitment. It can also promote trust in your brand and build your reputation whereas ignoring cultural differences can create misunderstandings and divisiveness and impact your reputation negatively with the local communities.
1. Punctuality
Although punctuality is generally expected in business dealings, arriving late to meetings or for work or when meeting deadlines is considered normal – as the concept of time in Mexico is very flexible. Nearly all workplaces in Mexico allow at least a ten-minute clock-in tolerance.
Mexico is a polychronic culture, which means that time is not seen as linear, and doing many tasks at once is the norm.
Because of this, it’s important to allow your employees a bit of slack when it comes to being on time, particularly if you’re from a cultural mindset with more of a linear mindset. If punctuality is crucial for certain tasks or projects, consider alternative solutions like staggered start times, flexible work arrangements, or project-based deadlines. If being punctual is a non-negotiable for you or your company, be sure to make this very clear to your Mexican employees as they will likely not be coming from the same perspective concerning timeliness and punctuality.
2. Formality and Respect for Hierarchy
Mexican business culture places a strong emphasis on hierarchy and respect for authority figures. Titles and positions are highlighted, and it is customary to address individuals by title, such as “Señor” or “Señora” followed by their surname. Deference to senior colleagues and managers is expected, and addressing them by their first names is generally considered inappropriate.
Make sure you are respecting this preference for formalities and structure with your Mexican employees as they will function better in a workplace where there is a clear hierarchy. Clearly define roles, responsibilities, and reporting lines within your organization. This will help employees understand the structure of the workplace as well as the hierarchy.
Employees in Mexico will be more likely to defer to superiors, follow instructions without question, and will avoid questioning your decisions or bringing up disagreements or issues. This can be a challenge if you want honest feedback from your employees, and you might have to be creative and find ways – such as anonymous surveys or suggestion boxes – if you need feedback from them.
3. Personal Connections and Networking
Personal relationships and networking are central to Mexican business culture. Building rapport and establishing confianza (trust) with colleagues, clients, and partners is essential for long-term success. Gift-giving and business lunches and outings are often a part of building long-term connections. And while virtual communication has become increasingly prevalent in Mexico, in-person meetings and interactions remain more highly valued. Social gatherings and informal interactions are often used to strengthen professional relationships.
As an employer in Mexico, it’s important to respect the importance of face-to-face interactions with your employees, as well as the significance of social events that mix business with pleasure. You might want to create opportunities for social interactions and networking at your company, such as company parties, picnics, or outings. That being said, be aware that because of the proclivity for structure and hierarchy, Mexican employees might prefer to socialize with other employees of the same rank and not with their supervisors.
4. Adaptability and Flexibility
Adaptability and flexibility are highly valued in Mexican business affairs. The emphasis on adaptability stems from several factors, including the country’s dynamic economic landscape, its diverse cultural heritage, and the strong influence of personal relationships in business dealings.
Mexican employees can easily adapt to changing priorities and unexpected challenges without compromising their work quality or integrity. The ability to be adaptable and flexible is beneficial in many ways, opening the door for stronger relationships with clients and partners, increased innovation and problem-solving capabilities, and improved company morale.
When dealing with changing circumstances, make sure to maintain clear and transparent communication, explain the rationale behind decisions, and provide regular updates to keep employees informed. Trust your Mexican employees to adapt to changing situations and make decisions based on their knowledge and experience. This will empower them and improve their overall job satisfaction.
5. Commitment to Work-Life Balance
While Mexicans have a very strong work ethic, they also value work-life balance more than many other cultures. Family and personal commitments are often prioritized, and it is not uncommon for employees to take time off for family emergencies or personal reasons without facing repercussions.
Businesses expanding into Mexico should realize that employees may choose to take more breaks and companies benefit by providing opportunities for personal growth and family-oriented activities to support work-life balance for workers. In turn, these accommodations can lead to loyalty and increased employee retention.
6. Communication Style
Mexicans tend to be indirect and diplomatic in their communication, avoiding overt criticism or disagreement, and preferring to use euphemisms, subtle hints, and indirect language to convey negative messages. This indirect approach is seen as a way to be polite and avoid offending anyone.
Mexicans are also generally more expressive and emotional in their communication than their counterparts in other cultures. This expressiveness is reflected in their body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice. Mexicans tend to casually touch one another more – and this includes during business dealings. There is an emphasis on personal relationships and trust, and Mexicans prefer to get to know individuals personally before engaging in business transactions.
It’s important to be aware of these communication preferences as a business and to take into account how they will impact relationships with your employees, and to accept that your employees might communicate somewhat differently than you are used to.
By acknowledging and respecting these cultural norms and expectations, businesses operating in Mexico can establish a strong foundation for a successful and harmonious work environment. Embracing communication styles and fostering a supportive workplace will not only enhance employee morale and productivity but also strengthen relationships with local partners and clients.
Are you expanding your business into Mexico – or anywhere else? Globig can help you build out your strategy, help you look like a local company, build out a sales and marketing plan, and help you expand your business globally or locally. We’re the perfect partner for your existing team, or if you don’t have a team yet, we’re here for you. Reach out at hello@globig.co
