Work Culture in Spain: What It's Really Like Working in Spain As an Expat
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me at my company christmas party
If you've ever wondered what it's like to work in Spain, you’re not alone. Having worked in the corporate world in Barcelona for the past six years, and having previously worked in London, I've experienced firsthand the differences in work culture between these two vibrant cities. In this article, I’ll share my experience, comparing the Spanish work environment to my time in London, so you can understand what to expect if you're planning on working in Spain.
1. A More Casual Atmosphere
One of the first things I noticed about the work culture in Spain is that people are generally less formal than in London. The overall atmosphere is much more casual. In London, there was often a focus on formality—whether in the way we dressed or how we communicated. In Barcelona, the vibe is noticeably more laid-back. This relaxed atmosphere doesn't mean that people aren't serious about their work; rather, there's an understanding that you can be professional while still being approachable and comfortable.
2. Lunchtime Is Sacred
Another big difference is the approach to lunch. In London, it wasn't uncommon for people to eat at their desks, rushing through the day without taking a proper break. In Spain, however, lunch is a sacred time, and people take it seriously. Most colleagues bring their own lunch, and it's expected that you take a proper break to disconnect from your computer. The lunch break is a moment to unwind, socialize, and recharge—a refreshing change from the fast-paced, desk-bound culture I experienced in the UK.
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Wondering if you can land a job in Spain without being fluent in Spanish? I've got the answers! In this blog post, I share practical advice on how to navigate the job market and find opportunities, even if your Spanish skills are limited.
Read More About Working in Spain Without Spanish3. Work-Life Balance and Flexibility
When it comes to work-life balance, it largely depends on the company culture, but I’ve found that there’s a lot of flexibility, especially for parents. Many companies allow for flexible entry and exit hours, which helps balance work and family life. Compared to London, where work-life balance often depended on your sector or role, Spain generally offers more leniency for personal commitments, especially if you have children.
4. Summer Hours and Time Off
Summer is a significant time in Spain, and many companies adapt to it. It’s common for companies to offer shorter working hours during the summer, such as from 9 AM to 3 PM, allowing employees to enjoy the slower pace of the season. Alternatively, you might be encouraged to take holidays during this period since many businesses operate at reduced capacity. In my experience, summer in Spain feels like a time when work takes a backseat to relaxation and enjoyment, something that was not nearly as pronounced in London.
5. The Myth of Siesta in Corporate Life
While Spain is famous for the concept of "siesta," this doesn’t apply to corporate life. Siestas are more common in small shops, restaurants, and certain local businesses, but if you work in a corporate setting, you won’t find people taking mid-afternoon naps. Instead, the workday is more or less aligned with standard business hours, albeit with a longer lunch break compared to other countries.
6. Hybrid Work Model After COVID-19
Since COVID-19, many companies in Spain have moved to a hybrid work model. However, Spain can be a bit traditional when it comes to remote work. There’s still a strong culture of seeing people in the office. This is slowly changing, but I anticipate that, in a few years, there might be a push to return to more full-time office work. Compared to London, where remote work has become much more mainstream, Spain seems to have a lingering preference for in-person interactions.
7. Hierarchical Structures
When it comes to hierarchy, it again depends on the company, but I’ve noticed that Spaniards tend to prefer a more rigid hierarchical structure. In general, certain senior roles are more likely to be filled by people who are older, compared to places like London where your age might not be as much of a factor if you have the right experience. This traditional approach can sometimes affect opportunities for younger professionals aiming for rapid advancement.
8. Taking Time Off: Sabbaticals and Leave
While I was fortunate enough to take a sabbatical during my time in Spain to walk the Camino de Santiago and travel to Australia, this isn’t as common as it might be in other countries. However, you do have the right to take unpaid leave, which is a great option if you need extended time off. Compared to London, where taking a sabbatical might be more normalized depending on your company, Spain still has some room for growth in this area.
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Learn How to Land a Job Without Speaking Spanish9. Holidays and Celebrations
One of my favorite aspects of working in Spain is the culture of celebration. There are numerous bank holidays throughout the year, and companies often partake in local festivities. For instance, in Barcelona, during Sant Jordi, it's common for your employer to gift you flowers and a book, which I find to be a beautiful tradition. During Christmas, many companies also give their employees a generous food basket. Compared to my experience in London, the Spanish workplace places a lot of emphasis on celebrating life’s moments, which adds a special charm to working here.
10. Investigate Company Culture
Lastly, it's essential to understand the specific company culture before joining. Websites like Glassdoor are invaluable for getting a real sense of what it's like to work for a particular employer. Spain is a wonderful place to work, but not necessarily for the money—salaries here may not match those in other countries like the UK or the US. However, what you might sacrifice in terms of salary, you gain in quality of life, both in and outside of work. The overall lifestyle, the sense of community, and the opportunity to truly enjoy your time make Spain a fantastic place to build a career.
What It's Like to Work in Spain vs. London Recap
Work Culture in Spain
Work Culture in London
Less formal, more casual
More formal, focused on professionalism
Sacred time to disconnect, most people bring their own lunch
Often skipped or eaten at the desk, rushed atmosphere
Flexible hours, especially for parents
Depends on sector; generally less flexible
Shorter hours in summer or mandatory holidays
No specific summer hours; work continues as usual
Not practiced in corporate settings
N/A
Hybrid model is common; preference for office presence
Remote work widely accepted after COVID-19
More rigid, senior roles often filled by older individuals
Less emphasis on age, more on experience and merit
Less common, but unpaid leave is an option
More common, depending on company policies
Numerous bank holidays, cultural celebrations, and gifts from companies
Fewer celebrations and gifts; more understated
Great work-life balance and quality of life, though salaries may be lower
Higher salaries, but work-life balance can be challenging
Final Thoughts
Working in Spain has been an incredible journey for me, and I hope this comparison has given you a clearer picture of what it’s like. From the casual atmosphere to the sacred lunch breaks and the celebration of life’s small moments, the work culture in Spain offers a refreshing alternative to the fast-paced, often rigid work environments found elsewhere. While salaries may not be as high as in other countries, the quality of life more than makes up for it. If you're considering working in Spain, make sure to do your research on specific companies, but know that you're in for an experience that balances work and life beautifully.
If you want to learn more about what working in Spain looks like, feel free to check out the following articles for further insights:
Best Ways to Find a Remote Job in Spain
Find Your Next Job: Top 10 US Companies with Offices in Spain
Can You Work in Spain Without Speaking Spanish? Here’s How I Did It
How to Move to Spain Without a Job: 4 Best Ways to Make it Happen
How to Find Work in Spain: 7 Proven Strategies for Foreign Job Seekers
