Workplace etiquette in Australia: All you should know

If you’ve secured the job you’ve always wanted in Australia, you must be very pleased! Now we will discuss certain aspects of etiquette and behavior in the Australian workplace that may be new to you or perhaps different from the country you come from.

This will help you to adapt better to your job, interact more effectively with your colleagues, and make the most of the experience. This article is for those who already have a job and want to learn more about the work environment and culture in Australia to prepare themselves better.

Remember that to work in Australia, you need a visa that allows you to do so. With a student visa, you can only work 24 hours a week (part-time), while a temporary visa allows for full-time work, so check the conditions first.

Understanding the Australian work culture

Let’s first talk about the differences with Australian Culture; don’t expect people to behave like they do in your country’s workplace, because you might be surprised. Keep reading for some examples to understand what I mean.

Australians' personality

Australians are characterized by their kindness and sincerity. Their interaction with others is direct and straightforward, meaning they avoid using double meanings or sarcasm that could confuse people. This transparency in communication encourage an environment of trust and openness.

Australians are also not afraid to acknowledge their mistakes, which is an admirable trait in their culture. This willingness to accept responsibility not only shows humility but also strengthens interpersonal relationships and teamwork.

As a cultural norm, they do not talk behind someone’s back, whether it is the boss or coworkers. Overall, honesty and direct communication are valued. This means that, instead of engaging in gossip or making disparaging comments privately, they prefer to address issues openly and constructively.

The “Morning Tea”

There is something called “Morning Tea.” It refers to a break, and it’s a time for Australians to socialize. They take it in the cafeteria (if there is one) or in the kitchen, around 9:00 am or 10:00 am, and it usually involves coffee and cookies.

You’ll be surprised, but in most workplaces in Australia, cookies, coffee, and milk are available for everyone. This is purchased with the company's money, and someone constantly replenishes it.

Making conversation in the workplace

Australians like to “make conversation,” and they often start by asking basic questions, especially to newcomers. You might be the center of attention in your first week because you are new, but that will pass.

They may ask you questions about your home country, your journey in Australia (when you arrived), or aboutyour studies. If they make a comment that offends you, don’t take it personally; sometimes they say things without knowing, but it’s not meant maliciously.

The humor is also different, and they might laugh at things that don’t amuse you. Try to smile and be a bit flexible, they are just trying to be friendly.

Workplace etiquette

In my opinion, workplace etiquette in Australia is the set of norms and behaviors that you should adopt because they are considered appropriate and respectful in a work environment. Some attitudes and behaviors that are considered normal in your country may simply not be accepted in Australia. Therefore, make sure to educate yourself well and continue reading our tips.

Respect the values 

Topics to Avoid:  Avoid discussing controversial topics such as religion, politics, or sexual orientations. Australian society is quite open to diverse forms of expression and lifestyle.

Many attitudes and behaviors that may be considered unacceptable or criticized in your country are seen as normal and accepted in Australia. In this context, people tend to feel more confident to be themselves and express their opinions without fear of judgment.

Respect and distances: In Australia, respect towards others in the workplace is taken very seriously. Any aggressive or offensive behavior, or any form of harassment, is not tolerated. I recommend that you respect diversity and avoid conflicts with anyone’s opinions, even if they differ completely from yours. 

Always treat everyone with respect and equality, regardless of their position, from the person who cleans to the manager.

In some cultures, it’s common to give a tap in the shoulder as a sign of camaraderie, but not in Australia. Avoid touching people whenever possible, and also speak to them from a considerable distance.

Be Honest: If you don’t know how to do something, say it. No one will nag you, or label you, or mock you around. It’s better to admit you don’t know than to pretend you do and potentially disrupt a process within the organization.

Privacy: Australians value their privacy greatly and generally prefer to keep certain aspects of their personal lives more reserved. When interacting with them, it’s important to be aware of the boundaries in conversations.

Questions about family life, income, or personal relationships may be considered invasive, especially if a trusting relationship has not been established.

Dress Code: Ask what the dress code is from the office, in case they have not mentioned it to you. Dress appropriately or in your style, while still leaving a good impression. In many offices it is common to dress smart casual. It is a tendency where you can use elegant pieces of clothes such as blazers mixed with jeans or more casual complements. 

Workload

In Australia, the work pace can vary by industry, but in general, it’s perceived as more relaxed compared to other countries. There isn’t much pressure regarding completing your work within a specific timeframe, and you won’t be told off for it. 

In fact, it feels like everyone goes at their own pace, but if you’re working on something very delicate with a deadline then you should stick to it. 

Work-Life Balance

There’s a great balance between work and personal life. This approach is reflected in various practices that are encouraged, such as taking several breaks during the day, avoiding reading emails outside of work hours, or respecting personal time.

I don’t know anyone who takes work home, or at least in my experience. This ensures that employees maintain a healthy and satisfying lifestyle.

If I Don’t Understand What They’re Saying

At first, it’s normal to struggle to understand the Australian accent, and you may not understand something being said. In that case, use courteous phrases like “Pardon?” which is the equivalent of “Excuse me?”. You can also say, “I am sorry, could you please repeat that for me?”

Social interactions at work

Don’t be the office grinch. Sometimes activities or events are organized when there is a reason to celebrate; people bring food and share. If you don’t want to join these activities, that’s perfectly fine and respected. However, if you don’t integrate often or follow the workplace atmosphere, it may be seen as if you are not adapting to the work culture.

Conflict Management

If there’s any workplace difference (which is very rare), it’s resolved between the parties involved respectfully, but no one takes it personally and everything continues as normal. 

Meetings

If you are invited to a meeting, arrive on time. Once there observe and pay a lot of attention, if necessary take notes. Learn to read how the meeting will develop and let them start speaking before you follow the pace. 

The breaks!

In Australia, it’s common to go for a coffee during working hours for 10 or 15 minutes, but it’s not okay to overdo it. It’s also common to chat in the kitchen of your workplace while making coffee during morning tea, as mentioned before.

Lunch is usually 30 minutes; sometimes in some places, it’s 1 hour, which varies. People bring their lunches, heat them up in the kitchen, and sit down to share. Others buy lunch from nearby places, with options ranging from sushi and sandwiches to salads and soups.

Friday is here!

On Fridays, some companies allow people to leave a bit earlier; those who wish to go out for beers do so before heading home. Here you have two options: to integrate or not, which is totally optional, but I advise you to go with an open mind.

Admin Operations 

There’s terminology used in Australia regarding leaves and payments. It’s advisable to be familiar with it so you are prepared when you need to apply for one of these.

Asking for a "leave”

Refers to a period of time when an employee is absent from work, either paid or unpaid. There are various types of leave, each with its own rules and purposes. Some of the most common are:

• Annual Leave: Paid leave that allows employees to take time off for vacation or rest. There are a total of 20 paid days of annual leave.

• Sick Leave: Leave to be absent due to illness or injury. Employees are entitled to a specific number of paid sick leave days per year.

• Maternity Leave: Maternity leave allows mothers to be absent from work to prepare for childbirth and care for their baby during the first few months. The details of duration and pay depend on each individual case.

• Carer’s Leave: Leave that an employee can take to care for a family member or another person who needs assistance due to illness, injury, or disability. Not all companies have this type of leave, but the one I’ve been with does.

• Long Service Leave: If you’ve been with the company for more than a certain period (10 years), you may be entitled to an additional 15 paid days.

Sending emails

Emails should be short, clear, and concise—no beating around the bush. Sometimes emails can be interpreted differently based on the reader’s tone, so try to use courteous phrases like “Could you please?” or “Would it be possible to...?” or “I really appreciate your help with this.”

Payment methods

Payments are generally very punctual. Usually, it’s every two weeks, but in some places, it’s monthly. They deposit it into the bank account that you have provided when you joined the company, and the accounting department takes care of it.

They also send you a Pay Slip, which is the receipt showing how much you were paid and how much of your salary went to taxes. You should keep these pay slips as proof if you need to apply for a lease or a loan. Sometimes, they give you that payslip in a sealed paper envelope (which I find quite elegant).

Some companies give a gift bonus at the end of the year (at Christmas) to employees for purchasing something at the supermarket; in general, companies in Australia are very generous.

Summing up!

Working in Australia offers an attractive and favorable environment for many, although it’s important to consider the mentioned particularities, as it can be a completely different experience from what you might be used to in your country.

After reading this guide, you will be better prepared to adapt to the Australian work culture. From the importance of open and direct communication to the value of diversity and inclusion, each aspect will help you integrate more easily into your new environment.