Australia Work

Australian work behaviour guide

In order to show your employer of your professionalism during your internship, it is important to know what is expected of you at the work place. You must be able to identify the appropriate and inappropriate behaviours at the work place in Australia.

Here are some tips to help you understand more about the work etiquettes in Australia:

• Punctuality is critical.
• Maintaining eye contact in meetings and during conversations is important.
• Unnecessary physical contact or winking at women are not tolerated.
• Giving gifts is not common practice in business. However a small gift such as wine, flowers or chocolate may be appropriate if you are invited to a person's home.
• No littering.
• No smoking inside the building. If in doubt, check with your manager or employer to find out where the appropriate place is for smoking.
• Always wait for services by going to the back of a queue.
• Hand shaking is appropriate when meeting and leaving people.
• Speak with clear English.
• Among professionals, exchanging business cards is common.
• Honesty and brevity are appreciated.
• Your opinions will be respected and you should respect other's opinions too. Australians are usually entertained by opinionated discussions.
• Listen carefully to what others has to say, and ask politely if you are not able to understand something.
• Sports and sightseeing are great topics for conversations.