Of all the topics I’m asked about, the relationship between Germans and small talk is the most frequent. Is Germany really a desert of friendly chit-chat and what happens when you can no longer fall back on polite conversations about the weather?
All tagged Office
Falling into the Sommerloch
The term “Sommerloch” (summer hole) is an apt description for the abrupt arrival of the German summer holiday season. Why does is it feel like all of Germany is on holiday in August, and what happens to those still stuck at work?
The Power of Punctuality
If there’s one thing we all know it’s that Germany is the land of punctuality, but everywhere you look there are examples to the contrary. Time keeping here isn’t always as simple as just being on time. How punctual are the Germans and why might it be counterproductive to punish latecomers?
The Power of Punctuality
If there’s one thing we all know it’s that Germany is the land of punctuality, but everywhere you look there are examples to the contrary. Time keeping here isn’t always as simple as just being on time. How punctual are the Germans and why might it be counterproductive to punish latecomers?
Work Hard, Play Sometimes
Germany regularly features in the top ten most productive countries, even though Germans work fewer hours than many of their neighbours in Europe. What is it like to work in this environment and has Germany really mastered work/life balance?
Germany & the Office Christmas Party
It's time for the Christmas party, but why aren't the Germans dreading it?
Surviving a German Office
They might be more productive, but could you survive a day in a German office?