United Kingdom & India

Working Hours

9:00 AM – 5:30 PM

British work culture values punctuality but also respects work-life balance. The City of London (finance) often works longer hours.

Lunch Break

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

30-60 minutes, often taken away from the desk

Business Etiquette

• •Politeness and understatement are valued—avoid boastfulness
• •Punctuality is expected but small delays are tolerated
• •Self-deprecating humor is common and appreciated
• •Written communication tends to be more formal than American style
• •Tea breaks are a genuine part of work culture

Major Holidays

• Christmas-Boxing Day — December 25-26
• Easter — March/April (varies)
• August Bank Holiday — Last Monday of August
• May Bank Holidays — Early and late May
• New Year's Day — January 1

Communication Style

Polite, indirect, and often understated. British colleagues may soften criticism with phrases like "perhaps you might consider..."

Meeting Culture

Meetings typically start on time. Agendas are followed but allow for discussion. Small talk at the beginning is common and expected.

Working Hours

10:00 AM – 7:00 PM

India has a single timezone (IST) despite its size. Tech companies often have flexible hours to accommodate US clients.

Lunch Break

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

45-60 minutes, often a proper sit-down meal

Business Etiquette

• •Hierarchical respect is important—address seniors with appropriate titles
• •Indirect communication is common; read between the lines
• •Building personal relationships precedes business discussions
• •Saying "no" directly is often avoided; watch for soft declines
• •Flexibility with time is common; schedules may shift

Major Holidays

• Diwali — October/November (varies)
• Holi — March (varies)
• Republic Day — January 26
• Independence Day — August 15
• Eid — Varies by lunar calendar

Communication Style

Relationship-focused and context-heavy. Indians often prefer to establish rapport before diving into business matters.

Meeting Culture

Meetings may start with personal inquiries. Decisions often involve multiple stakeholders. Follow-up discussions are common before final commitments.