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International careers: top tips for improving your communication skills

As the world becomes more connected than ever before, individuals and groups across the globe find themselves working together at a much greater pace.

International careers: top tips for improving your communication skills
Photo: Getty Images

While the ability to communicate in international workplaces, be they real or online, can help drive innovation and creativity, these working environments also come with their own unique set of challenges – miscommunication among the biggest.

Together with online learning provider GetSmarter, we speak with tutors from the University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership to provide some of the essential dos and don’ts to help you save time and money when working with a group of people across a number of cultures.

Do you want to communicate your ideas clearly across cultural divides? Enrol for the Cambridge University & GetSmarter ‘Communicating for Influence and Impact’ course.

DO understand that your ‘normal’ will be different to others

Depending on where you are from, you will have very specific expectations about how a meeting should progress, or the role of ‘small talk’ – and these are guaranteed to be different to those of the people you will encounter. Those from northern European countries may place a greater emphasis on punctuality, whereas in parts of South America, building a rapport is more important, for example. 

Betsy Reed, Head Tutor of the Communicating for Influence and Impact course, tells us: “From my perspective, as someone who’s lived in five countries and worked on four continents, DO assume that your norms are not everyone’s – and never forget that. Do your homework and learn what cultures others in the room come from and what that might mean for their approach and expectations.

“Do think carefully about the role of ‘chat’ and informal conversation at the beginning of meetings – some cultures find it rude if you are seen to be ‘wasting time’ with talk about the weather etc, whereas other cultures think the opposite and like to invest in some small talk to build rapport,” says fellow Communicating for Influence and Impact tutor Chantal Treagar. 

It’s important to allow time and devote resources to understanding these key differences, and allowing for them in discussions, thereby eliminating possible misunderstandings later on. 

DON’T use slang or colloquialisms 

Wherever people live, they develop their own slang and specific spin on language – it adds colour and nuance to discussion. However, that nuance can be lost, or worse, misunderstood when working with a diverse group of internationals who simply don’t have the same understanding of the language. 

As Treagar states: “Don’t use jargon of any sort and definitely not colloquialisms, idioms and phrases that might cause confusion as well as risk not ensuring an inclusive culture, for example, phrases such as ‘right off the bat’; ‘throw a googly’, or ‘chuffed’. Do think carefully about the use of humour.”

“For anyone working in a culture they’re not from, simply remembering that your norms and ways of communicating are foreign to others can go a long way. Ensure clarity simply by asking if others understand what you’re asking for,” offers Reed. 

DO keep an eye on the time 

One thing that many people who work in international environments begin to understand is that some cultures have significantly different attitudes towards time management and punctuality than others. One person’s firm appointment might be considered an advisory to others. 

This can be avoided by respecting each other’s time and ensuring that you keep to a schedule. 

“Do always start meetings on time and finish them on time – some cultures are relaxed about starting a meeting on the hour or two minutes after, whereas others prefer to be on the call or in the meeting room a minute or two before the appointed time so that it starts exactly on time,” notes Treagar. 

Reed says it’s important not to make people feel as if every task needs to be actioned straight away. She states: “Do respect people’s personal time – if you send a stream of emails at 10pm because that is when you happen to have time, make sure to put in the subject box ‘for action tomorrow please’ or ‘not for now but for our meeting tomorrow’ or add a first line in the text that makes it clear you are not expecting a response or work to be done between 10pm and 9am the next day. Old-fashioned values such as respect and courtesy still go a long way.”

Want to understand the common pitfalls of communicating in international workplaces? Enrol in the Cambridge University & GetSmarter ‘Communicating for Influence and Impact’ course.

Photo: Getty Images

DON’T beat yourself up if you get it wrong

Finally, it’s essential not to give up when working with a diverse group of co-workers. Everyone experiences cultural misunderstandings, and they’re an important part of learning how to work with others from around the globe. 

As Reed states: “Assume there will be different cultural understandings, expectations and norms around things like making a point, asking for things, saying no to requests from those with more power, the importance of individual achievement and opinion versus collaboration and group effort. 

“Be humble and be kind to yourself. Consider yourself a student and be assured that you will sometimes fail to communicate clearly, or others will, and continue improving your understanding and cross-cultural communication skills. It’s called a skill for a reason!” 

Treagar supports this, telling us: “Cultural misunderstandings can be quite common – mostly out of ignorance and no ill intent. Open communication helps and a quick apology can assist if you quickly assess that something hasn’t landed well and you misread the situation, or the use of language. Ultimately, improved communication will influence productivity and help towards a greater sense of personal fulfilment and sense of achievement.”

Develop your communication skills for the global workplace 

“Entire books have been written and Internet memes circulated on failures of cross-cultural communication,” says Reed. “As someone who lives in a culture and language that are not my native ones, every day is a masterclass in remembering to listen, to observe and to learn new ways of communicating effectively.”

However, there are steps you can take to develop a better understanding of cultural differences in communication, and ensure that you can communicate clearly and concisely with colleagues from around the globe, no matter where they’re from. 

The Communicating for Influence and Impact online short course from GetSmarter equips international workers with all the skills and knowledge they need to avoid cross-cultural communication misunderstandings, and unite teams to work towards greater success and impact. The course is part-time, online and presented in plain English, so you can be sure that you can easily access it and fit it around your schedule. 

Do you want to become a thought leader who is able to communicate across cultures and audiences? Enrol in the Cambridge University & GetSmarter ‘Communicating for Influence & Impact’ course

Member comments

  1. Also don’t mix metaphors. One throws a curveball, but bowls a googly (the difference being whether or not one’s arm is bent).

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BANKING

The best bank accounts for self-employed workers in Spain

Whether it be financial advisors, savings incentives, or the flexibility to do things like paying taxes and arranging payrolls, finding the right bank account can really help your self-employed working life in Spain.

The best bank accounts for self-employed workers in Spain

Being self-employed (autónomo in Spanish) can seem a little tough in Spain at times. Whether it be the endless admin, high social security charges or tax brackets, sometimes it can feel as though freelance or small business life just isn’t meant to be in Spain.

One thing that can make life a little easier is having a bank account designed especially for the self-employed.

READ ALSO: CALENDAR: The key deadlines for self-employed workers in Spain in 2024

What is a self-employed account?

A self-employed account is basically a bank account designed for self-employed people that you can open in your own name to handle all your professional money matters.

Many self-employed people find this beneficial because you can keep personal money separate from business income, and generally keep a clearer, more balanced set of accounts — something that comes in handy when making a tax return in Spain.

Another benefit is that many self-employed accounts allow you to use banking services that you would not have access to via your normal current account, such as doing payrolls, if you have staff, or access to financing and loans that regular banking customers can’t get. Many also offer cash back on paying social security fees. Also, often when opening a self-employed or business account, banks offer you a personal adviser to help you with your financial decision.

So, which are some of the best bank accounts for self-employed workers in Spain?

Sabadell Self-Employed Account – Cuenta Autónomos Sabadell

Sabadell’s Self-Employed account offers an account for the self-employed zero commission charges and zero conditions. You receive a free business debit and credit card, with no maintenance fees.

Aside from immediate transfers, all other transfers are free within the EU.

You also get a return of 3 percent of your direct debit electricity and gas bills paid via the account, something handy for self-employed people with offices.

Bankinter Professional Account – Cuenta Profesional

Bankinter’s Professional Account gives you remuneration of up to 5 percent APR in the first year and up to 2 percent APR in the second (maximum balance of €5,000).

It is a commission-free online account (via web and mobile app) with which you can separate your personal and professional expenses, and you will have a personal manager at your disposal to help you resolve all your doubts and needs.

You also receive a free credit card, free national and intra-EU transfers, can make free cash withdrawals over 17,000 cash points, advance deposits, and get multi-channel access to your account.

However, there are some conditions. You must deposit a minimum of €800 per month in the account (cash deposits not be valid), keep the card active, and make at least three charges per receipt per quarter.

READ ALSO: The social security fees Spain’s self-employed will pay in 2024 

Payhawk Enterprise – Payhawk Empresas

Payhawk accounts are a little different and go beyond the traditional definition of a business account. Unlike conventional accounts, Payhawk provides an entire banking ecosystem designed to optimise financial control and simplify the management of business budgets and expenses.

This account might appeal more to self-employed and small business owners with a significant staff or turnover, rather than to individual freelance workers.

The Payhawk Business account has automated expense management, offers Visa corporate cards (physical and virtual) that have usage limits and integrated spending policies.

The Payhawk platform also automates accounting, enables budget creation and frees you up from laborious administrative tasks, and the mobile app allows you to approve funding requests and make payments from anywhere.

READ ALSO: The financial aid available to Spain’s self-employed workers in 2024 

Revolut Pro Account

The Revolut Pro Account offers 0.8 percent cashback on card payments, create professional invoices, receive payments with QR codes, and spend and send money abroad with great exchange rates

This account may be better suited to individual self-employed workers in Spain.

Revolut Pro offers various banking plans with extra features:

Standard: Free
Plus: €2.99/month
Premium: €7.99/month
Metal: €13,99/month.

N26 Business Account

The N26 Business Account appeals to the self-employed by offering a 5 percent refund of the monthly autónomo social security charge to those who pay their self-employed fee with the N26 account (up to a maximum total of €180 per year).

The N26 Business Account is 100 percent online, free, and focused on the self-employed. It offers a free Mastercard debit card, which gives you 0.5 percent back on your purchases, allows free transfers to Spain and the Eurozone, and does international transfers through Transferwise.

You can make free withdrawals at any ATM a maximum of 5 times a month, and N26 offers a 24/7 customer service.

CaixaBank Business Account – Cuenta Negocios

Caixa’s Business Account gives you a specialised bank manager who will accompany and advise you throughout the life cycle of your business. If you don’t have a website but you want to make online sales through social networks or WhatsApp, Caixa’s SocialCommerce tool allows you to do all that and manage your online business.

If you do have a website, Caixa uses Cyberpac or Addon Payments to accept payments in your online shop in a simple and secure way. Similarly, if you want to further invest in or expand your business, you can finance your fees and receipts to expand or renovate your business and take it to the next level.

The account also has no fees or commissions. However, you’ll need to meet 3 requirements in order to pay no fees on the account:

Direct debit income of at least €750 a month or €9,000 a year.

Set up a direct debit for your self-employed social security payment.

Make any of the following payments from the Caixa Business account: your taxes, employee social security contributions, employee pay slips, utility bills or card purchases.

There is a maintenance fee of €15 per month if you don’t meet the requirements.

Santander ONE Business Account – Cuenta Santander ONE Empresas (autónomos)

For new customers, Santander’s ONE Business Account offers no account maintenance fees for the first 12 months

Neither are their issue or maintenance fees for Santander debit and credit cards, or for making transfers in Euros via online banking, mobile and ATMs, except for urgent transfers. No fee for debit cash deposits and withdrawals at more than 30,000 Santander ATMs worldwide either.

You have to meet some requirements to pay no commissions:

Deposit or invoice at least €1,800 every three months by means of POS, transfers, bills, or cheque deposit.

Make one of the following operations: payment of employee salaries, payment of the self-employed quota, or make 6 uses of the account card.

The maintenance fee if you do not meet the account requirements is €30 per month.

BBVA – Business Welcome account – Cuenta Negocios Bienvenida

BBVA’s Business Welcome account allows you to transfer your direct debits from other banks free of charge, and you’ll be given a specialist bank manager whenever you need one.

If you pay your taxes and/or social security contributions directly into the Welcome Business Account, BBVA offers you 3 percent of what you pay back – up to €100 gross per quarter, meaning you could earn back €400 per year. This offer is only for new self-employed customers.

On top of that, there are no fees on conditions during the first year with BBVA’s Business Welcome account. From the second year onwards, you have to meet the following conditions each month:

You must set up a direct debit to pay your social security or professional association fee through the Business Account, and you must also pay your taxes (IVA, IRPF, business tax or corporation tax) by direct debit.

There is a maintenance fee of €12 per month if you do not meet the account requirements after the first year.

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