The Unwritten Rules of Canadian Work Culture (So You Don’t Accidentally Offend Anyone)

That perfectly crafted resume got you the job – congratulations! Now prepare for these uniquely Canadian workplace quirks:

🍁 The "Nice" Paradox: Canadians are famously polite... until they're strategically indirect
🍁 Hierarchy Hides: Bosses prefer being called by first names but still expect subtle respect
🍁 Feedback Wrapped in Maple Syrup: "Interesting idea!" often means "This needs major work"

First Culture Shock Moment: When colleagues apologize to you after you bump into them

5 Unwritten Rules You Must Know

1. The Art of the Canadian "No"

• Direct refusal = rude → Use softeners:
  ✘ "That won't work" → ✔ "I'm not sure that aligns with our current priorities"

2. Meeting Speak Decoder

3. The Coffee Chat Rule

• Mandatory but never called "networking" → Frame as "Grabbing coffee to pick your brain"

4. Email Etiquette

• Always start with friendly buffer:
  "Hope you're having a great week! Just following up..."

5. The Apology Balance

• Too few = rude, too many = unprofessional → 2 "sorries" per conflict is the sweet spot

Vocabulary Builder (B1/B2 Level)

1. Etiquette (n.) – The unwritten rules of polite behavior
   Example: "Workplace etiquette varies across cultures."
2. Quirks (n.) – Unique habits or characteristics
   Example: "Canadian office quirks include excessive apologizing."
3. Buffer (n.) – A soft introduction before bad news
   Example: "Her email included a friendly buffer before the request."
4. Credibility (n.) – Being trusted and believed
   Example: "Over-apologizing can damage your professional credibility."
5. Hierarchy (n.) – A system of ranking positions
   Example: "Canadian offices have flat hierarchies but subtle power dynamics."

Activity: Use 3 vocabulary words to describe a Canadian workplace scenario.