Work culture is something people often notice only after stepping into a completely different environment. The way meetings are conducted, how deadlines are treated, and how people work together can vary from one country to another. These everyday differences may seem small, but they can leave a lasting impression.That is what a recent LinkedIn post by an Indian professional has brought into focus. Reflecting on his years in the United States, he shared the workplace habits that stood out to him the most and the lessons he believes professionals everywhere can learn from.
From culture shock to a new perspective
The post was shared by Anushk S, who moved to America for higher education.Looking back at his initial experience, he wrote, “When I moved to America for higher education, the first thing I experienced was culture shock. The way things are done here was very different from what I had learned back home.”Over the next few years, he said he began noticing workplace practices that changed the way he thought about work.“After spending a few years here, I have noticed certain workplace habits that America gets remarkably right. They are habits that professionals everywhere can learn from. If I had to carry five lessons back with me, these would be them.”
LinkedIn post
Respect for time came first
The first lesson he highlighted was punctuality.“Time is taken seriously,” he wrote, while joking that America does not operate on “IST: Indian Stretchable Time.”He added, “People respect your time, and they expect you to respect theirs. Meetings begin on time, deadlines mean something, and being late is rarely treated casually. That discipline is not cosmetic. It is how trust is built.”
Preparation over ‘dekh lenge’
Another workplace habit that stood out to him was the importance of preparation.Referring to the phrase “dekh lenge,” he said professionals usually come to meetings after understanding the context, doing their homework, and preparing for possible challenges. While he described “jugaad” as a valuable skill, he said preparation should ideally prevent situations where it becomes necessary.
Clear ownership and honest feedback
The remaining lessons focused on assigning clear ownership of tasks, giving constructive one-on-one feedback without taking it personally, and taking action instead of waiting until every uncertainty has been resolved.According to him, these habits have changed the way he approaches work today.
His takeaway from India and the US
Concluding the post, Anushk reflected on the lessons he has taken from both countries.“These habits have completely changed the way I think about work now,” he wrote.He added, “India taught me resilience, adaptability, and how to create opportunities with limited resources. America taught me how much further those qualities can go when they are supported by preparation, ownership, honest feedback, respect for time, and the courage to move early.”Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in the LinkedIn post are those of the individual and do not reflect the views of The Times of India. The article is based on publicly available social media content.Thumb image: LinkedIn
