Irish Workplace Etiquette: Dos and Don'ts for Professionals

Communication Style

Friendliness with Professionalism

Irish business etiquette balances warmth with professionalism. Workplaces are generally friendly, with colleagues quickly moving to first-name basis. However, maintain professional respect, especially with senior management initially.

The Art of Small Talk

Meetings often begin with casual conversation about weather, family, or weekend plans before addressing formal agendas. This rapport-building is essential to Irish business culture. Don't rush into business matters without this warm-up period.

Storytelling and Humor

Irish communication favors storytelling infused with wit. Conversations take scenic routes, with anecdotes and humor common. Embrace this style rather than viewing it as inefficiency.

Directness vs. Politeness

Communication balances directness with politeness. Negative feedback is often delivered indirectly to avoid confrontation. Learn to read between the lines and understand that suggestions may actually be requirements.

Hierarchy and Structure

Relaxed Hierarchies

Irish workplaces feature relatively flat hierarchies with accessible management. Excessive bureaucracy and overbearing authority are resented. Managers are generally approachable, and teamwork is highly valued.

Formal vs. Informal

First meetings with senior figures maintain formality—use titles and last names until invited to use first names. Once familiarity is established, informality increases significantly.

Decision-Making

The Irish appreciate participation from everyone to see situations from all viewpoints. Negotiations involve much discussion, with pragmatic and fair approaches appreciated over aggressive tactics.

Punctuality and Time Management

The Punctuality Paradox

Despite myths suggesting otherwise, punctuality is important. Expats should always plan to be on time for meetings, events, and work start times. However, be prepared for Irish counterparts to be up to 15 minutes late occasionally.

Flexible Approach

The Irish have a relaxed sense of time extending to negotiations and decision-making, which can be slow. Delivery deadlines may shift, so build latitude into schedules and maintain open communication.

Dress Code

Conservative and Formal

Irish business culture leans toward conservative attire:

Men: Dark-colored suits with shirt and tie Women: Tailored suits, dresses, or skirts with blouses

Business casual is increasingly common, especially on Fridays, but err on the side of formality initially.

Meeting Culture

Structure

• Meetings commence with small talk

• May be set in semi-social settings (pubs, restaurants)

• Approach is loose and relaxed

• Agendas can take a backseat to socialisation

• Everyone expected to participate

Greetings

Give everyone a firm handshake—men and women included. Maintain eye contact during conversations to show engagement and respect.

Email Etiquette

• Begin with courteous greetings: "Dear [Name]"

• Maintain polite and formal tone

• Conclude with professional sign-offs: "Kind regards," "Best wishes"

• Avoid overly casual language or slang

• Respond promptly to emails

Work Hours and Leave

Standard Hours

Typically follow 9-to-5 schedule with lunch break around midday. Some industries and companies offer flexible working hours or remote work options.

Annual Leave

Full-time employees receive minimum 20 days annual leave, with many companies offering 22-25 days. Additional public holidays throughout the year.

Work-Life Balance

Work-life balance is a headline feature of Irish work culture. Employers increasingly offer flexible hours, remote work options, maternity/paternity benefits, and family-friendly policies.

Professional Behaviors

Do's

• Be on time for commitments

• Participate actively in meetings

• Show genuine interest in colleagues

• Accept after-work social invitations

• Be team-oriented and collaborative

• Respect others' opinions

• Maintain sense of humor

Don'ts

• Ask about salaries (serious taboo)

• Be overly aggressive in negotiations

• Use high-pressure sales tactics

• Display arrogance

• Ignore small talk opportunities

• Rush business matters without rapport

• Discuss politics or religion unless relationships well-established

Social Aspects

After-Work Culture

Socializing with colleagues is common and important for building relationships. Friday night drinks, team outings, and social events cement professional bonds. Participation is valued but not mandatory.

Gift-Giving

Generally not expected in business settings. For social business events, bringing a bottle of wine or small gift from your home country is appropriate.

Networking

Ireland values relationships and personal connections. From team outings to professional networking events, opportunities abound to build your network. Attending creates valuable connections and career opportunities.

Adapting to Irish Workplace Culture

Be Patient: Building relationships takes time. Irish colleagues may seem friendly but slow to develop deep professional relationships.

Show Genuine Interest: Ask about family, hobbies, and weekend plans. Personal connections matter.

Embrace Flexibility: Plans may change, meetings may run long, deadlines may shift. Maintain professional standards while adapting to Irish flexibility.

Participate Socially: Accept invitations to pubs, lunches, and team events. These informal settings are where true relationship-building occurs.

Respect Work-Life Balance: Don't expect immediate responses to late-night emails or weekend messages. Respect colleagues' personal time.