US Work Culture: Preparing for Success

May 16, 2015

Caroline Gillam, Program Director Train USA

Agenda

• Logistics• Work Culture and Norms• Communication• Setting Expectations• Feedback and Evaluation• Diversity in the workplace

• I-9 Work Authorization • required for all persons hired for employment including US employees

• Your Status as an Intern: • typically only completed if there is remuneration (something of value

provided by employer) You are not being hired as employee in the general sense.

• Social Security Number/Card: • This number tracks wages and taxes paid as well as credit• Only needed if you are being paid.

• Taxes: If you receive compensation for your internship you should expect to have Federal, State and Local taxes deducted from your paycheck.

Logistics

• Overtime in the U.S.– only certain classifications of employees receive pay for hours in excess of 40

per week– typically for those who are paid by the hour for their time who are called Non-

Exempt employees

• Background checks and drug testing

Logistics

Hours• Typical non-profits may be 35-40, For-profit may be more occasionally• Deadlines or specific events may require short-term excess hours• Clocking in and out is not typical but happens• Leave when you complete work, no pressure to remain at work until late

Flexibility and Work-Life balance- varying types of schedules

Telecommuting

Punctuality- be on time for work and for meetingsLunch

• businesses do not shut down • general hours 11-2• work around your meetings and ensure coverage

Work Culture and Norms

Smart phones• don't be surprised to see people checking ther phones during meetings

Attire• most are not business formal suits anymore, some jeans everyday

Smoking• ask about rules for designated areas

Personal time• it's ok to check email/facebook at lunch or if you're taking a quick break

Relationships with colleagues• some offices are very social, some not• most will celebrate some holidays or birthdays together• food always brings people together- share some from your home!

Work Culture and Norms

Alcohol and the office• Drinking alcohol during the workday, at lunch for example, is not common• Drinking alcohol at the workplace may be allowed during certain

celebrations• Some offices are very social and will go to “happy hour” after work

regularly• Social outings with colleagues outside work in the evening or during

weekends • Keep your ID with you • Do not drink and drive• Very few places allow you to walk around with a drink in your hand or to

have an open container in the car

Work Culture and Norms

• Greetings- a handshake and a smile• Direct eye contact• Addressing colleagues- use First Name• Addressing clients- sometimes more formal, Mr./Ms. X, look for cues• Emails- don't use ALL CAPS, too many!!!!!, funky colors• Directness- clear and specfic, straightforward communication• Ask Questions!

– ensures you understand the information– shows you're thinking and analyzing– is not considered a challenge to authority or evidence of any weakness

Communication

• Asking questions and clarifying information at the beginning is key to success

• Review internship duties at the outset and clarify any questions- express particular areas of interest

• Supervisor's management style and communication– Regular meetings, emails, popping by his or her desk, requesting help

• Make sure you are clear on:– Your schedule– Reporting if you will be late– Sick time and any other benefits like vacation or days off– Company rules/policy manual and what pertains to you as intern

Clear Expectations= Success

Make the most of your learning opportunity and ask for feedback

Some companies will have specific evaluations or reviews

If not, consider:• Asking for one within 2-3 weeks to check-in on the initial stage• At least one at the end• Not just need for development but also feedback on strengths• Ask if they would be a reference when you leave• Not common to ask for a letter when leaving a company but you can

Feedback and Evaluation

Rights and protections for workers: – “Protected classes” in federal law- US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission– Age, National origin, Disability, Race and ethnicity, Religion, Gender, Sexual orientation

Discrimination on any of the above basis is prohibited

Sexual Harassment: unwanted sexual advances, requests for sexual favors or other physical or verbal behavior of a sexual nature.

Human trafficking: a person is recruited, transported, or kept against his or her will for purposes of exploitation

Conversation topics- appearance, age, weight, race, gender, sexual orientation

Diversity: Respecting colleagues

Thank you

Questions?