Posted: Jun 03, 2013 9:38 am
Loren Michael wrote:How would you describe the differences? Like, I can't imagine there not being workplace dramas or personalities that rub against each other.
Chalk and cheese. I really mean it. I have worked in both environments.
My British workplace was overcrowded with six of us working in a basement office. We were all programmers. Six telephones is also too much. Hetic and very annoying with plenty of people on short fuses. Under constant electric light. Luckily it was only temporary position as I was loaned out by my Dutch company. It lasted a month.
Dutch labour laws are very strict about working conditions. Everything from floor space, heating, cooling, light and view is set down in law. We only had two to a room. Our floor space was a minimum of 16 sq.metres for our desks alone. Proper variable lighting and heating was available. We also had each a sizable window we could look out of (this was also a labour law).
It was very laid back and if there was any problems they were discussed and solution found. No bottling it up or taken childish revenge which happened in the British work place. Work times were variable and nobody bothered if you went home early or came in late as long as the work was done. In the British office we had electronic punch cards.
All this leads to quiet and restful environment where tempers are hardly present well especially in regards to colleagues.
It was something our British colleagues were very jealous of.