i got on aussie news with my last post 😱

Working in Australia has brought a fresh perspective on how workplace culture varies from country to country. One big difference I found surprising is how open Australians are to hugging clients, compared to just handshakes or waves in Singapore. It’s still confusing sometimes when to hug or shake hands, but it definitely feels warmer here. Another eye-opener was the sick leave system. Unlike Singapore, where you need a medical certificate to justify taking leave, Australia allows you to call in unwell without strict proof. At first, I felt guilty as if I was faking being sick, but this system really helps reduce the burden on doctors and is quite trusting. Maternity leave is another huge cultural shift. Australian parents can take up to 12 months of unpaid leave, plus paid parental leave to share. Back home, the paid leave is shorter and longer leave off work is rare. It really highlights how Australia supports work-life balance differently. Meeting culture is also distinct. In Singapore, multitasking in meetings is normal, and people arrive early and stick to the schedule strictly. Here, people focus fully in meetings without laptops and sometimes meetings start a bit later. I’m learning to slow down and engage more with colleagues face-to-face. Lastly, I discovered business cards are almost extinct in Australian workplaces, unlike Singapore where they’re still handed out often. It’s a small detail that reflects bigger changes in communication style. Overall, embracing these differences has helped me improve both professionally and personally while living abroad. If you’re thinking of working in Australia, be prepared for these little culture shocks that make your experience unique and rewarding.