Switzerland Culture Tips

Aside from UBS’s recent dress code publication, there are many other facets of Swiss culture one should know. Whether you’re a business traveler, or your part of a global team with members in Switzerland, the following culture tips will prove essential:

+ There are four major cultures co-existing in Switzerland: German, French, Italian, and Romansch. Each has linguistic and cultural ties to a neighboring country. While the following are overarching cultural norm, the general Swiss attitude is summed up in the phrase “unity, but not uniformity.”

+ Although friendly and informal with close friends and family, the Swiss are reserved and formal when dealing with outsiders. They do not put their possessions or emotions on display.

+ For the most part, the Swiss believe time is something that can, and should, be controlled. Time is viewed as a commodity and it is not something to be wasted. Business meetings start and end at appointed times, as do social events.

+ The Swiss are pragmatic and responsible. They do not brag or boast and will not be impressed if you state your credentials. The Swiss are obsessed with politeness and expect courteous good manners. Begin with a formal demeanor, moderate your speaking voice, and allow your Swiss colleagues to determine when, or if, you should become more informal.

+ Switzerland’s business community is relatively small and most executives have a network of trusted friends and associates. As such, if you do not handle your business dealings in an acceptable manner, word of your behavior will spread through the business community relatively quickly.

- from RW3′s CultureWizard™ Country Profiles

RW3 CultureWizard