February 23, 2024 
Embarking on a professional journey in Spain involves more than just mastering the language and loving the weather and the beautiful beaches; it requires a nuanced understanding of the country’s unique business culture and practices. Spain has become a hub for tech companies and young talent, but it is important to know how business is done there.
1. Greetings and non-verbal Communication
While it may be assumed that the common greeting in Spain involves exchanging kisses on both cheeks, this practice is reserved for close friends and family. In a professional setting, a handshake is more appropriate. It is important to make eye contact and greet everyone upon entering a place.
Additional considerations when meeting someone for the first time include:
- Spanish has formal (usted) and informal (tú) forms of address, with the appropriate choice depending on the business sector. Observing how the other person addresses you can help determine which form to use, opting for usted if unsure.
- Some individuals, such as Jose Luís, or María del Mar, have two first names and should be addressed using both.
- Spaniards may stand closer and engage in more physical contact than people in other European countries. Frequent interruptions should be viewed as a sign of attentiveness rather than rudeness.
2. Working Hours
In Spain, a worker’s weekly working hours maximum is 40 hours (8 hours per day). The workday typically commences at 9 a.m., although in certain cases, especially in higher positions, breakfast with colleagues may precede it, causing the day to start at 10 a.m. due to the relaxed sense of time among Spaniards.
A crucial lunch break lasting from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. is an opportunity for catching up with friends outside the workplace. Contrary to popular belief, employees usually do not take naps during this break. Lunch is significant, but so is the coffee break, occurring between 11 a.m. and 12 p.m., serving as another brief opportunity for socialising among Spanish employees. The workday typically concludes at 6 or 7 p.m., although working beyond regular hours, starting at 8 p.m., is not uncommon.
3. Negotiating
Building a strong relationship with a Spanish client is essential in negotiations. Personal attention, establishing rapport, and engaging in non-business conversations are fundamental. In Spain, winning negotiations is not solely based on empirical data, it is a relational corporate culture where trust and genuine interest take precedence.
Discussing personal or family matters during negotiations is common and contributes to successful meetings. In-person interactions, such as lunches and dinners, play a crucial role in relationship-building, surpassing the importance of emails and phone conversations.
4. Holidays and Time Off
Bank holidays, or festivos, are integral to maintaining work-life balance in Spain. These holidays, commemorating religious or national events, occur on fixed dates, allowing employees to enjoy extended weekends. The concept of “puente” (bridge) is applied when a bank holiday falls on a Tuesday or a Thursday, with employees often taking Monday or Friday off to create a longer break. As well as that, Spanish employees, with an average of 30 calendar days of paid holiday leave per year, actively utilise their time off.
During Christmas and summer, extended time off is common, with businesses often slowing down or closing from December 24th to January 8th and during August. Negotiations with Spanish companies may need to be scheduled accordingly to avoid delays.
5. Dress Code
While prestigious law firms and international consulting companies may enforce a formal dress code with suits, the attire varies across different businesses. Traditionally, Spaniards have favored formal and conservative work attire, prioritising a stylish appearance rather than a glamourous and ostentatious one. However, with the emergence of young talent-driven businesses, casual outfits like jeans and basic short-sleeved t-shirts are becoming more acceptable in small companies and start-ups.
6. Unions
Similar to France, unions play a significant role in the labor landscape of Spain, advocating for workers’ rights, negotiating collective agreements, and addressing workplace issues. Probably one in seven employees in Spain (14%) are union members. The two main trade union confederations in Spain are the Workers’ Commissions (Comisiones Obreras, CCOO) and the General Union of Workers (Unión General de Trabajadores, UGT). These organisations have a long history and have been influential in shaping labor relations in the country.
7. Extra Payments
Salary payments in Spain are traditionally made in fourteen instalments, consisting of twelve monthly paychecks plus two extra payments made in July and December. Nevertheless, this could vary between businesses and Collective Agreements.
8. Language
One might think that they comfortably move to Spain and work there if they know Spanish. However, different languages are spoken in different parts of the country.
For example, in Catalonia, the Balearic Islands, and Valencia, Catalan (Valencian in Valencia) is the main language. While Catalan shares similarities with Spanish, it has distinct characteristics, and many jobs require knowledge of Catalan for day-to-day tasks. In Galicia, Galician is spoken. This language has similarities with both Portuguese and Spanish, and is taught in schools in Galicia alongside Spanish. In the Basque Country, most people are bilingual in Basque (Euskera) and Spanish. Basque is a unique and unrelated language to any other in the world, which makes it difficult to learn and understand.
With that being said, most people will change to Spanish if they see you don’t speak their local language, but it is always good to learn a few words just in case. Aranese is also an official language in Spain, even though only 3,000 people speak it there (mostly in the Val d’Aran area).
Conclusion
Given the intricate landscape of professional culture in Spain, from its unique greetings and communication styles to varied working hours, negotiation practices, holiday customs, dress codes, the significant role of unions, the system of extra payments, and the linguistic diversity, embarking on a business venture or career in Spain presents both opportunities and challenges.
Understanding these facets is crucial for anyone looking to successfully navigate the Spanish business environment. Whether you’re considering expanding your business to Spain or seeking employment there, our team of experts is here to guide you through every step of your journey.
