United States & Brazil

Working Hours

9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Varies significantly by coast—East Coast starts 3 hours earlier than West Coast. Many tech companies have flexible hours.

Lunch Break

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

30-60 minutes, often eaten at desk or during meetings

Business Etiquette

• •Direct communication style is preferred—get to the point quickly
• •Punctuality is highly valued; being late is seen as disrespectful
• •First names are commonly used even with senior colleagues
• •Email and Slack are primary communication channels
• •Work-life boundaries are increasingly respected, especially post-pandemic

Major Holidays

• Thanksgiving — Late November (4th Thursday)
• Independence Day — July 4
• Christmas-New Year — December 24 - January 1
• Memorial Day — Last Monday of May
• Labor Day — First Monday of September

Communication Style

Direct and results-oriented. Americans value efficiency and clear action items from meetings.

Meeting Culture

Agendas are expected, discussions are time-boxed. Video calls have become standard. Meetings often start with brief small talk.

Working Hours

9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Brazil spans 4 time zones but major business centers (São Paulo, Rio) are on Brasília Time (BRT). Work culture is relationship-driven with flexible scheduling.

Lunch Break

12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

1-2 hours, often a substantial meal

Business Etiquette

• •Personal relationships are crucial—Brazilians prefer doing business with people they know and like
• •Physical contact (handshakes, pats on back) is common and friendly
• •Punctuality is appreciated but flexibility is understood
• •Dress code is generally formal in business settings
• •Negotiations may take time; patience is valued

Major Holidays

• Carnival — February/March (varies, 4-5 days)
• Independence Day — September 7
• Christmas-New Year — December 24 - January 1
• Tiradentes Day — April 21
• Republic Day — November 15

Communication Style

Warm, expressive, and personal. Brazilians use animated gestures and value emotional connection in business relationships.

Meeting Culture

Meetings often include coffee and may start with personal conversation. Building trust is essential. Follow-ups may require persistence.