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Managing in the U.S.

Working in a Fast-Paced Culture

Working in the United States can be different from other countries.

So, you've just been transferred to your company's new location in the United States. You'll be managing a team of American workers to start up the new office, but you have mixed emotions about going overseas.

Is America safe? Will you be allowed enough vacation time to return home to visit family and friends? Will you have to commute for hours just to get to the office? Do you need to use a different management approach from the one you've been used to in other countries?

Working in the United States is very different from working in the United Kingdom or other Western countries. Learning how to navigate the American culture – and your new workplace and team – will be vital to a successful and productive transition.

In this article, we'll examine what it's like managing an American team, and we'll offer tips for succeeding in this culture. Whether you're moving to the country to work full time, returning after a long break, or simply managing a U.S. team from abroad, these tips will help you make a smooth transition.

Note:
Remember that this article is a general guide only. The United States, like many other countries, has a diverse workforce, and the approach that you will need to use will vary, depending on your industry, and the location that you’re working in.

Employment Laws

You've probably heard that Americans work a lot, and this is mostly true. The U.S. workweek is commonly 40 hours or more, and you might be expected to work additional time on evenings and weekends, depending on your industry. If you're familiar with working 35-hour weeks, the long days could be hard to get used to.

However, many American companies are beginning to...