AN EXPATRIATE’S JOURNEY WORKING IN COLOMBIA

When Joan received the news that she would be relocating to Bogotá for work, she was both excited and nervous. Having built her career in a structured corporate environment in Europe, she quickly realized that working in Colombia would require her to adapt to new cultural norms. During her first week, Joan noticed that relationships were at the heart of business interactions. Meetings started with personal conversations, and colleagues prioritized trust over immediate efficiency.

Joan also had to adjust to the flexibility in time perception. Meetings often started later than scheduled, and deadlines were seen as adaptable rather than rigid. At first, she found this frustrating, but she soon realized that Colombians valued people over schedules, making work feel more dynamic and fluid.

As she settled in, Joan also observed that hierarchy played a significant role in the workplace. Decision-making often came from the top, and addressing senior colleagues with respect was essential. Additionally, she learned that communication was indirect yet expressive, a “yes” didn’t always mean agreement, and nonverbal cues played a key role in conversations.

By embracing these cultural differences, Joan found herself thriving in her new role. She learned that Colombians valued collaboration and warmth, making the workplace feel like an extended family. Through patience and cultural awareness, Joan transformed her experience from initial discomfort into a rewarding professional journey.

Top 5 cultural differences to know when working in Colombia:

  1. Relationship-driven business – Personal connections are key to trust and collaboration.

  2. Flexible time management – Punctuality is fluid, and deadlines may be negotiable.

  3. Hierarchy matters – Seniority and formal titles are respected in decision-making.

  4. Indirect communication – Subtle cues and diplomacy are essential in workplace interactions.

  5. Expressive work environment – Enthusiasm, warmth, and social interaction are valued.

Joan claims, “Learn some Spanish before heading to Colombia, it always helps!”