India vs Europe work culture: Viral post shows what’s normal abroad could get you “fired” in India, but some claim “Indians would exploit it”

A Reddit post comparing workplace culture in India and Europe has gained significant attention, prompting discussions about how employees communicate their availability. The post, titled “Work Culture Shock: India vs Europe,” includes a screenshot from Microsoft Teams illustrating a European employee sharing their schedule openly. The employee mentioned taking personal time and managing parental duties while their spouse was away.

Such openness is noted to be commonplace in European workplaces, where sharing personal commitments is accepted. In contrast, the Reddit user inquired whether such transparency could be practiced in Indian office settings, with many commenting that doing so might result in negative consequences, such as being seen as unprofessional or risking job security.

This cultural difference emphasizes a notable divergence in attitudes towards work-life balance. Indian employees often experience pressure to remain available outside of official hours, making personal disclosures rare. Although some progressive Indian companies are beginning to adopt flexible practices similar to those in Europe, traditional offices often maintain rigid structures and an expectation of constant availability.