Moving to a new country is always an adventure—one that includes discovering a whole new world of corporate culture. If you’re a foreign-born military spouse who’s recently arrived in the U.S., welcome! Navigating the American workplace may seem overwhelming at first, but with a little insight you’ll be climbing the corporate ladder in no time.

Hierarchies: It’s Flatter Than You Think

If you’re used to a formal workplace with clear hierarchies, the American corporate environment might surprise you. While there is a chain of command, the hierarchy is often more relaxed. You might find yourself on a first-name basis with your boss or even the CEO—and they might ask for your opinion directly!

 *Don’t be shy! Jump into conversations, share your thoughts, and enjoy the flatter structure.

Communication Style: Straight to the Point, But Friendly

Americans are known for being direct in their communication. If you’re used to subtle cues or indirect feedback, this can take some getting used to. In meetings, emails, and casual conversations, people are expected to be clear, concise, and upfront about their ideas. This doesn’t mean they’re being rude—it’s just how business gets done.

*Don’t overthink it! Be clear and straightforward in your communication, and if something is unclear, feel free to ask for clarification—people appreciate that in the U.S.

Work-Life Balance: The Myth and the Reality

Americans work hard, but they also love their time off (when they get it). The reality is that American employees often work longer hours compared to many other countries, and work-life balance can sometimes feel like a moving target. However, you’ll find that weekends and vacations are still valued, and many companies are moving toward a more balanced approach, especially with flexible work arrangements and remote work becoming more popular.

* Be proactive about setting boundaries. If you need to log off for family time or personal commitments, communicate it politely but firmly.

Collaboration: Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

American workplaces are highly collaborative. Teamwork is valued, and people expect you to contribute your ideas during group projects or meetings. You might find yourself working with colleagues from various departments or across different locations (thank you, Zoom!).

If you’re used to working independently,  in your new American job, you might suddenly have a weekly team brainstorming session, a project on a shared Google Doc, and a Slack channel for constant communication. Collaboration overload? Maybe. But once you get the hang of it, it’s actually pretty efficient.

Punctuality: If You’re On Time, You’re Late

We mentioned earlier in our previous blog  how Americans love punctuality in social settings. Read it here if you haven’t already – Navigating American Social Culture: A Guide for Foreign-Born Military Spouses Well, multiply that by 10 when it comes to the workplace. If a meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m., you should be logged in or sitting in the conference room by 9:55 a.m. It’s all about showing respect for other people’s time.

In the U.S., punctuality is more than just being polite—it’s seen as a measure of your professionalism.

Networking: Your Career’s Secret Weapon

In America, networking is everything. Whether it’s attending professional events, connecting with colleagues on LinkedIn, or grabbing a coffee with someone from another department, building relationships is key to career advancement. It’s not just about what you know, but who you know.

Networking is how many Americans find new job opportunities or move up in their careers.

* Don’t wait for others to approach you—take the initiative to build connections, both in-person and online.

Diversity and Inclusion: A Focus on Equal Opportunity

The U.S. prides itself on being a melting pot, and this diversity is reflected in the workplace. Many companies have robust diversity and inclusion programs designed to support employees of different backgrounds. As a foreign-born military spouse, you bring a unique perspective, and this can be a major asset in the workplace.

*Be confident in your background and experiences. Many American companies value global perspectives, and you can use your unique journey to stand out.

Conclusion: Embrace the Journey

Adjusting to American corporate culture might feel like learning a new dance, but with time and practice, you’ll be moving to the rhythm smoothly. From understanding direct communication to building professional relationships through networking, there’s a lot to absorb. But remember—your experiences as a foreign-born military spouse bring a wealth of knowledge that can set you apart.

Read Navigating American Corporate Culture by Kutu Baker to help you better understand this topic.