Exploring the facts about Spanish work culture for 2024

If you want to read this article, you must have some incredible business or work opportunities in Spain. Knowing about Spanish working culture will help you understand the working hours, potential communication channels, and basic Spanish business etiquette.

Basic details about Spanish working culture

From basic working hours to cultural taboos, this section will help you understand the Spanish work culture in detail. So, stick around till the end!

Typical working hours

Traditionally, offices in Spain have been open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., with a long lunch break from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Many Spanish businesses in major cities such as Barcelona, Madrid, and Valencia have abandoned the siesta in favor of a 9 am to 4 pm schedule.

Full-time employees in the country tend to work around 40 hours per week, corresponding to the average EU employee’s work week of 40.3 hours. (According to Eurostat, work weeks in the European Union range from 37.8 hours in Denmark to 42.3 hours in the United Kingdom).

Work-life balance

There is a widespread misconception that Spanish professionals do not work hard or at all. Though work-life balance varies by company, statistical evidence suggests that stress and burnout are just as likely in Spain as they are in the United States or the United Kingdom. It is critical not to romanticize Spanish business culture as a never-ending siesta.

Instead, it’s safe to say you will still be able to enjoy weekend trips to the Costa del Sol or the country’s numerous historical sites, as national laws have been put in place to protect employees from being overworked or exploited.

There are some incredible Spanish culture facts that help this particular region to stand out. People in Spain enjoy their weekends and leisure time to start the new week with zeal and enthusiasm.

Though working into the evening is common in Spain (dinner is typically served at 9:00 pm and can extend until 11:00 pm), workers are not permitted to work more than 9 hours per day by law. Furthermore, Spanish businesses are now legally required to record daily working hours to compensate employees for any overtime.

Spanish business etiquette

Proper etiquette is essential for doing business in any culture, and Spain is no exception. Dress is often formal and traditional, with dark colors worn in the winter and lighter tones in the summer.

Wearing “loud” or “flashy” items such as bright colors, large jewelry, or bold patterns is not recommended. For better or worse, this can divert attention away from the business at hand and undermine your credibility as a competent professional.

Dressing formally in major cities such as Barcelona and Madrid or industries with more modern working practices may not be necessary. For example, many tech companies or start-ups have removed dress policies, allowing employees to wear whatever they want. Check with the HR department to see what is expected of you before starting a new job.

It is important to note that gifts are not commonly used in business in Spain, and giving expensive or elaborate gifts before reaching an agreement may be interpreted as a bribe. If you do decide to give a gift, it is acceptable to give something high-quality but modest at the end of a business transaction.

Communication

Communication in professional settings can be stressful, but remembering a few key points can help calm your nerves. A firm handshake is a proper Spanish business greeting, especially when meeting for the first time.

When addressing another professional, use titles such as seor and seora and avoid using first names until the other party has. As you become more acquainted with your Spanish coworkers, you may notice that they become more relaxed around you, standing close to you or speaking loudly. This Spanish cultural norm indicates that your conversation partner is interested in what you say.

Cultural taboos

Certain topics of conversation should be avoided when conducting business in Spain. Avoid implying that Spanish people don’t work or are always late, even if you are joking. These stereotypes can be especially aggravating in Spain, where many businesses are fiercely competitive.

Avoid criticizing Spanish culture, politics, or people in general. This includes national identity (particularly Catalan independence) and regional differences. Even if said in a humorous tone, it may appear rude and may offend your conversation partner. Other sensitive topics to avoid include Francoist Spain (the dictatorship that ruled from 1939 to 1975), bullfighting, and the Spanish economy.

Holidays in Spain

Knowing about Spanish holidays will help you understand the paid and unpaid leaves. Spain has nine national holidays, plus state and local holidays that vary by region. Full-time employees are entitled to a minimum of 22 days of paid holiday leave per year, though you may be able to take more depending on your employment contract.

As of January 2021, both parents are entitled to sixteen weeks of maternity and paternity leave. In the United Kingdom, mothers can take up to 52 weeks off (with 26 weeks considered standard maternity leave), while fathers can take one to two weeks. No national policy in the United States guarantees paid leave to working women who give birth.

Because Spanish employees typically take the month of August off, Spanish businesses can be difficult to reach during the summer. Be sure to tie up any loose ends with a Spanish company on a business deal before then, or expect to wait another four weeks before negotiations resume.

Networking in Spain

Like the rest of the world, networking in Spain has become increasingly digital, with professionals connecting on global websites such as LinkedIn, Xing, and Opportunity. Several national resources for professional business networking groups in Spain include the Business Network International, Club de Exportadores e Inversores, and the Spanish Chamber of Commerce, the country’s largest business network with local organizations.

These were the details about Spanish work culture. If you plan to explore any work opportunity in Spain, remember basic business etiquette to avoid embarrassing situations.

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Frequently asked questions

Is punctuality important in Spanish work culture?

While punctuality is valued in professional settings, it is more relaxed compared to some other cultures. Meetings may start a bit late, and it’s common for socializing to continue after work.

How important is hierarchy in Spanish workplaces?

Hierarchy is present, but the Spanish work culture tends to be more egalitarian than other European countries. People often use first names, and there is less emphasis on formal titles.

Are business relationships built through socializing outside of work?

Building relationships is crucial in Spain, often involving socializing outside of work. Sharing meals, attending social events, and engaging in casual conversations contribute to building strong professional connections.

Concluding thoughts

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