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Managing in the UK

Working in a Different Culture

Find out about work culture in the UK.

If you've recently been asked to relocate to the United Kingdom, or you've just arrived, you might feel quite a bit of excitement. Working abroad can be a challenging, rewarding experience for many people. It can help expand your skills, and open unimagined doors to new opportunities.

But have you taken the time to understand the culture and work environment? If not, you might alienate yourself from your team without knowing why. It makes sense to learn as much as you can about the new culture to help ensure your success.

In this article, we'll examine what it's like manage a UK 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 UK team from abroad, these tips will help you make a smooth transition with your new team.

Remember that the UK, like many other countries, has a diverse workforce; and workplaces vary from those in sleepy country towns to those in fast-paced global cities like London. Base your approach on your particular industry and team. Handle every situation on an individual basis, using your best judgment.

Employment Laws

Imagine that you work for a large organization in the UK, and someone on your team asks for additional training. Do you know that you might be breaking the law if you turn them down?

Before you start work, make sure you know UK employment laws, which are subtly different from those in many other Western countries. Here are a few key points to remember: