The British working day has become much more flexible of late with varying working patterns becoming more common. Working days may last between seven to nine hours with some employees working up to 10 hours. However there is now a greater acceptance of the importance of the work/life balance. It is not uncommon to socialize in a nearby pub after the workday with office colleagues for an hour or more. The pub is a place to wind down, where formality and rank differences disappear.

Among colleagues of the same grade, regardless of gender, there is much direct and informal communication. Among colleagues of different rank, there may be less direct communication and a tendency to wait for direction from above. Individuals have considerable freedom to achieve goals on their own, as long as directions have been carefully provided from more senior management and there is periodic review of progress. British workers expect to be rewarded for jobs well done, but not necessarily publicly; they do not expect unsolicited praise. Traditionally, the most powerful jobs in the large British business organization have been those responsible for financial control. People with such responsibility typically use the control to monitor the financial situation and many other aspects of the company.

This is just a sample of what you'll find in the complete United Kingdom guide.