Everyone who works in Australia needs to have a basic understanding of workplace culture and how organisations, businesses, employers and employees operate within Australia on a day-to-day basis. We will also explore how and why the work culture in Australia is changing and how you can be successful in it. Introduction

Some Aussie Facts Australia has a population of over 22 million people. Most of Australia’s population is located in and around major urban centres. Our capital city is Canberra however our most populated cities are Sydney and Melbourne. 93% of the Australian population has a European background. The predominant language of Australia is English however there are over 100 different languages spoken in Australia as a result of its vast multiculturalism. Other countries generally view Australians as understanding, friendly, outgoing and relaxed. Australia is a diverse nation with many cultures and religions which is reflected in the Australian workforce. 1 in every 4 workers in Australia comes from another country.

What is Culture? “The system of shared beliefs, values, customs, behaviours, and artefacts that the members of society use to cope with their world and with one another, and that are transmitted from generation to generation through learning.” (Fred Plog and Daniel G. Bates, Cultural Anthropology, 1990) Each country has its own culture, which can sometimes be seen as a set of ‘rules’. Each culture has its ways of conducting business and their day-to- day way of life. If you don’t fully understand, interpret and follow these ‘rules’ correctly, you may run into some problems.

Australian Business Culture In Australia, it is not uncommon for a business meeting or an interview to be quite informal. Hand shakes, laughter and even ‘pats on the back’ are not seen as unusual. Please be mindful of this in the workplace – regardless of the person’s age or position, you should always maintain eye contact. However, businesses and its employees need to be diverse to succeed in the global economy. A strong cultural awareness is important when dealing with people from different backgrounds.

Greetings & Courtesies As previously mentioned, Australians are friendly, outgoing and informal people who move to a first name basis quickly. The accepted greeting is smiling, making eye contact and shaking hands. Hand shakes are generally firm and brief. The standard verbal greeting is “good morning”, “good afternoon” or “how are you?” An exchange of business cards would be expected in business situations.

Business Ethic & Framework Australia is generally seen as an easy place to do business. Australians don’t often want to be seen as boastful or arrogant. This often extends to their accomplishments, success and expertise. You may also find that Australians don’t always praise someone for a job well done as they assume everyone is doing their best, so don’t automatically think it is because you are not doing a great job.

Business Attire MEN In the corporate world, conservative business suits are standard attire for a man. When working in a factory or a labour position, overalls, high visibility safety wear and safety boots are generally worn. Employers should provide safety wear or Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). WOMEN In the corporate world, women also wear suits – either with a skirt or trousers. Skirts with blouses or dresses with jackets are also common. Hemlines vary from just above the knee to a few inches above the ankle. There is generally more flexibility when dealing with smaller companies or in rural areas, where ties are not always essential and suits may not be expected. The general rule of thumb is to avoid extremes in fashion and excessive jewellery, make up, accessories, colognes and perfumes. It all depends on your work environment.

Meetings In Australia, meetings always start on time. If you are running late for an interview or an appointment, always let the person know you are running late as early as possible. Make sure you tell them what time you expect to arrive so they can rearrange their schedule if necessary. Though Australians are relaxed in their manner and may be on a first name basis upon meeting you, it does not mean they take their business interactions lightly. Do not answer your mobile phone in a meeting unless it is urgent. In this case, politely excuse yourself and leave the room to answer.

Working hours In today’s ever changing work environment, there are no set hours of working in Australia. A person working full-time will work anywhere between 35 – 50 hours per week. Generally, however, most full-time workers will work 38 hours per week. Most offices function between 9am to 5pm from Monday to Friday however other jobs and industries may involve working weekends and/or night shift. Working in Australia

Wage rates and wage slips Wage rates in Australia are determined in a number of ways however every employer is bound to pay at least the minimum wage. Wage rates are generally determined by existing agreements with unions and employers called Enterprise Bargaining Agreement (EBA’s) or you can contact the Fair Work Ombudsman to check what the wages are under the Modern Award Pay Rates. Wage rates for casual workers should be more than rates for full time workers, as the rate should include an amount to allow for recreation leave and sick leave. If you do not receive a wage slip there is a chance that you are being paid an incorrect amount. It is your legal right to receive a wage slip. If you receive a wage slip, you can check if tax and superannuation is being paid on your behalf.

Taxation & “cash in hand” All employees in Australia must pay tax. When you start with a new employer you should fill out a new Taxation Declaration form. This form will allow the Taxation Department to work out the correct amount of tax to take out of your wage. It is illegal to be paid “cash in hand”. If you are paid “cash in hand” – you will not be covered under WorkCover if you are injured at work. – you will not receive sick leave or recreation leave. – your employer will not be paying Superannuation on your behalf.

Employability Skills The Employability Skills endorsed by the Government and Industry as essential to performing well in the Australian Workplaces are: COMMUNICATIONTEAMWORKPROBLEM SOLVINGINITIATIVE AND ENTERPRISEPLANNING AND ORGANISINGSELF-MANAGEMENTLEARNINGTECHNOLOGY