Spend some time thinking about the cultural differences listed below and how each of the areas of difference effects what happens in your day-to-day work environment in relation to co-workers and clients. Record your answers in the table below.

You might include some of the following in your answers:

• Which staff are rostered on particular days. This might be to allow for people’s religious obligations, or to ensure a good balance of staff with particular language difficulties.

• Timing of peoples’ holidays to coincide with important religious or other celebrations.

• Timing of co-workers’ breaks to allow for prayer times.

• The need for understanding when co-workers are away from work because of their need to meet cultural or family obligations.

• The type of food served in the staff canteen.

• The inability of some workers to perform certain tasks because of cultural considerations. For example not handling food derived from ingredients which are culturally forbidden.

• The need to communicate with clients in a way which does not offend their cultural sensitivities.

• Different special requests from clients such as choice of food, style of room etc

• The need for patience in communicating with co-workers and clients who speak different languages.

• The way you talk to clients and co-workers.

• The way you react to your supervisor and the way your supervisor reacts to you.

Cultural Differences How does this difference effect what happens in your day-to-day work environment in relation to co-workers and clients?

Languages
Religious and other beliefs
Beliefs about health and wellbeing
Attitudes to family
Attitudes to work
Roles of individuals in society
Food
Holidays and celebrations