Canadian Workplace Culture and Expectations Workshop
Jessie Eulenberg MSW
Career Development Centre
2014 - 2015
Introductions & Outcomes
By the end of today’s session, you will be able to-
• Recognize cultural elements in the Canadian workplace
• Identify some common Canadian work values
• Identify Laurier resources to help you get a job … and succeed in the workplace
What is culture?
Culture can be defined as:
• The shared beliefs and values of a group of people
• Our learned way living
• What were we taught to think,
feel and behave according to
where we were raised?
The importance of balance
• As you enter the Canadian workplace, you do not
need to remove your culture and behaviours; you
need to learn the Canadian culture
• Balance is important. As international
students, you have the unique ability
to understand two (or more!) cultures.
This is an asset to an employer!
• Pay attention. Ask questions. Make
mistakes and learn from them
(and share your culture)
Culture is like water to
a fish. A fish does not know that water exists until it jumps out
of it.
What is Acculturation?
• Acquiring the knowledge and skills to be able to adjust to the expectations and social patterns of a new cultural setting
• This happened when you entered university in Canada
• It will happen again when you enter a Canadian workplace – you will need to learn the culture and expectations of the new environment
Icebreaker
• What cultural differences have you identified about how work gets done in Canada?
– In academic settings
– In professional settings
• Pair & Share
Culture may be subtle but can have an unintended impact
Words of wisdom:
“Attending office, business and social events is a
good method of finding out about your company’s
culture. This is a good way
to quietly observe how
your company operates.” - Sharon Wingfelder,
Vice Presdent of HR, CIBC
What tends to be important in the Canadian workplace?
• Punctuality
• Professional boundaries
• Team work
• Individual contribution
• Confidentiality
• Communication
How is culture like an iceberg?
Clothing Behaviour Food Music Communication Language Work habits and practices
Relationships Values Communication style Concept of time Mental processes and learning Beliefs Experiences
Let’s explore the Canadian values that are at the bottom of
the iceberg…
Common Canadian Values Compared with Values in Some Other Countries
Common Canadian Value
Some Other Countries
Individualism and privacy: Individual contributions/ accomplishments are respected
Group
Equality: Respect towards others; all people/ideas are equally valuable
Rank or status
Time flies: Be on time (this shows respect) Time walks
Directness, honesty, openness: See example
Indirectness or even more directness
Action and achievement Relationships
What tends to be important in the Canadian workplace?
• Punctuality
• Professional boundaries
• Team work
• Individual contribution
• Confidentiality
• Communication…
Let’s talk about being direct…
Indirect Direct
Example - Before:
John: It looks like we are going to need a few people to come in on Saturday. Yanting: I see. John: Can you come in on Saturday? Yanting: Yes, I think so. John: That will be a great help. Yanting: Yes. Saturday is a special day, did you know? John: How do you mean? Yanting: It’s my father’s birthday. John: How nice. I hope you all enjoy it very much. Yanting: Thank you. I appreciate your understanding. What is going to happen on Saturday?
What is going to happen on Monday? Where does the misunderstanding
between John and Yanting come from?
Example - After:
John: It looks like we are going to need a few people to come in on Saturday. Yanting: I see. John: Can you come in on Saturday? Yanting: Unfortunately, I already have plans for this Saturday. John: Oh, but we are really stuck. Yanting: I understand. I wonder… is there anything I can do ahead of time to assist with completing the work? John: Actually…if you don’t mind reviewing these reports… Yanting: Absolutely. I will have them done by the end of the day. If I run into any issues, I will let you know.
How was the communication
improved?
Words of wisdom:
“In Canada, it is OK to say no to your boss- politely. In many cultures, people never say no to the boss. But in Canada, your boss will appreciate your input. I tell people in my department: ‘Don’t say yes to everything I say. Tell me if you have a better idea. I can be wrong.’ Canadians recognize the value of different opinions. Saying yes all the time can be perceived as a sign of weakness.” Haakon Saake, IT Manager, Toromont Industries
Phrases to use:
Disagreeing:
• Can we try it this way…
• We seem to see things differently. How can we resolve this issue?
• Make a SANDWICH
How to be a successful employee in Canada The following list of qualities can help make you more valuable to your employer: • Demonstrate reliability (be on time) • Communicate effectively(express your ideas
clearly, directly, honestly and with respect) • Interact with your co-workers/supervisor • Do more than required (take initiative) • Be flexible and adaptable • Be respectful towards others
How can you show respect?
• Greet people briefly in the morning • Remember people’s names– and use them • Shake hands when you meet someone new
(people don’t typically shake hands every day) • Be on time (or 5 minutes early) • Respect privacy– don’t look at papers on your
co-workers’ desks • Show interest in other people and help them when you can • Get your work done on time (or explain if there will be a delay)
Recognized Factors Contributing to North American Career Advancement
• Communication skills • Leadership skills • Self-presentation skills • Team-building skills • Ambition • Hard work/long hours • Interpersonal skills • Management skills • Problem-Solving skills • Innovation • Luck/serendipity • Risk taking
• Knowledge of organizational environment
• Family support • Team management • Mentors • Stress management • Employment equity • Clear goals • Career planning • Company culture • Company politics
Source: Good is Not Enough: And other unwritten rules for minority professionals – Keith R. Wyche (2009) p. 124
SCENERIOS What might culture differences look like in a work context?
Job Searching scenarios
– Tell me About Yourself
– Selling Past Accomplishments
– Assertiveness
– Social Activities
On the Job scenarios
– Pre-meeting small talk
Cultural learning: What can you do? • Join student groups, community & extra-curricular
activities • Interact with classmates • Develop leadership and teamwork skills • Connect with faculty and staff • Use social media networking (e.g. LinkedIn) • Consider volunteer opportunities • Accept low risk jobs to practice soft skills • Attend conferences & field-related events • Find a professional mentor or peer mentor • Visit a professional career consultant • Attend professional development workshops…
www.wlu.ca/aspire
Resources
• Career Centre
– Book an appointment with a consultant
– Attend workshops, professional panel events and employer sessions
– Review website resources at wlu.ca/career
• Laurier International
– Information about work permits, SIN cards and PR
• Intercultural Development Office
– Intercultural communication workshops
Additional Resources
Connect with us -
Career Development Centre 519.884.0710 x2850 [email protected] wlu.ca/career facebook.com/lauriercareercentre linkedin.com (Laurier Career Centre group)
