United States & United Kingdom

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 – 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.