Work, Hustle, and Culture Clashes: What Professionalism Means Around the World

Professionalism—it sounds like a universal concept, doesn’t it? Yet, what defines a “model employee” in one country might seem excessive or even inefficient in another. Should you work late or set boundaries? Be available 24/7 or protect your personal time? Take your well-earned vacation or power through for the sake of productivity. Let’s dive into how different cultures perceive dedication and professionalism in the workplace.

Vacation Time: A Right or a Luxury?

In France and Spain, taking time off isn’t just encouraged—it’s an essential part of work culture. The French enjoy a minimum of five weeks of paid vacation, while Spain practically slows to a halt in August. In these countries, rest is seen as a necessity for maintaining performance. Skipping vacation? Unthinkable!

Now, shift the focus to North America. In the U.S., the average worker gets around ten paid vacation days—many don’t even use them all. “You’re already taking time off?” might be a common reaction when someone dares to disappear for more than a week. Meanwhile, in Japan, the situation is even more extreme: social pressure and fear of being perceived as disengaged lead many employees to forego their time off entirely. But what if true professionalism meant knowing when to step away?

Working While Sick: Dedication or Madness?

Picture this: you wake up with a raging fever, your body begging for rest. Do you call in sick and risk being seen as unreliable? In Nordic countries like Sweden and Norway, the answer is simple—stay home! Employees are trusted to self-report sick days, and no doctor’s note is required for short-term absences.

But in other parts of the world, like East Asia and Latin America, showing up sick is sometimes viewed as a badge of commitment. In Singapore, for example, employees regularly drag themselves to the office while unwell, even if it means spreading germs. Being sick doesn’t mean stopping—it means proving resilience. But is this really the best way to show dedication?

Overtime: Hard Work or Poor Time Management?

Ah, overtime. In some places, working late signals ambition. In others, it screams inefficiency. In Japan, leaving before your boss is frowned upon. In the U.S., staying late and responding to emails at midnight often earns praise.

Meanwhile, in Germany and the Netherlands, it’s the opposite. Consistently working beyond your scheduled hours? That’s a sign you didn’t plan your day well. Productivity there means getting your work done within the set time—no endless late nights required.

Hierarchy at Work: First-Name Basis or Formal Titles?

How do you address your boss? Is it by first name, or do you stick to formalities? In Scandinavian countries, it’s common for an intern to casually call the CEO by their first name. Hierarchies are flat, and everyone is encouraged to voice their opinions.

Compare that with workplaces in France or Japan, where hierarchy still applies. Formal titles are the norm, and respect for authority is deeply ingrained. But is this about professionalism or just cultural habit?

So, What Is Professionalism, Really?

One thing is clear: professionalism isn’t a one-size-fits-all concept. Whether it’s glorifying the grind or prioritizing work-life balance, each country has its own take on what makes a great employee. So next time you catch yourself judging a colleague’s work habits, ask yourself—what if, in another culture, they’re actually doing it right?