Brazil is known as a country with large agricultural production, massive natural resources and strong industrial sector. Our efficient utilization of natural resources such as turning sugarcane into ethyl alcohol is used as a model in many countries. These factors have been attracting many foreigners from different areas to come to our country so if you’re willing to have a work experience here be prepared to deal with a diverse environment every day. Check it out this article and learn more about the Brazilian work environment: 

Here the business practices differ by region as well by the size and structure of different companies. For example, Curitiba is more international than Florianópolis and this can be seem in the management style of the firms. There are still many family-owned businesses, especially in the North, that tends to have more a hierarchical, conservative and patriarchal environment. Regardless of where in Brazil people work, they will follow global management style, slightly influenced by local influences.

Dress code in Brazil can be an indicator of status. Although this really depends of the company and field, in general, in big companies the key for men and women is to wear clothes made out of good material, such as shirt and social pants for men. Although Havaianas are very famous in our country, it is not polite to wear flip-flops or similar at work.

Compared to many countries in Europe or North America, some beach cities in Brazil such as Rio tends to have a more relaxed work environment, something that might be explained by cultural aspects that makes it a very welcoming place to live. Many Brazilians employers believe that a favorable and inspiring place to work may influence the way the employee works and his commitment with the job.

One thing that foreigners usually point out about our work environment is that “Brazilians do business with people; Americans or Europeans with companies”. Here it’s very likely that a person will try to devote some time to know the one they are dealing with on a more personal level. Brazilians need to know and trust their business counterparts and this includes some personal attachment as well. The key to have a great experience here is to respect and be respected and try to find a common group in spite of the cultural differences.

Here we give you some tips of Brazilian good manners at work:

– Touching other people’s arms and elbows back is quite common;

– Handshaking for a long time for hello and goodbye. If you are in a small group, preferably shake hands with everybody present;

– First names are often used in the work environment, but titles still important;

– When women meet, they usually exchange kisses by placing their cheeks together and “kissing the air”. The same can happen when a woman meets a man;

–  Travelling, football, food, arts and sports are good topics to start a conversation. In the other hand, avoid talking about ethnicity, economy and personal matters;

– Brazilians can often be late for meetings or social events. The meetings usually starts 5 minutes late and  this is not considered a disrespect towards other people but it’s simply how they are.

Here we gave you a overview of how the work environment in Brazil looks like but in the end it is all a matter of understanding the differences and mutual respect that will guarantee a nice time while staying here.