Have you just moved from the UK to the USA and are about to start work? Or are you about to make the move from the UK to the USA to begin your new role? What are the changes you’re going to encounter, and what have you already noticed as someone British living and working in the United States?
First impressions from the UK to the USA
Most people relocating from the UK to the USA first comment on the weather (generally better or at least more dramatic), the wider roads, and the dazzling brightness of people’s smiles.
But once you start working in the US, you’ll notice a number of other differences, many of which are more subtle than the weather and teeth whitening and orthodontics. So, how do you find your feet in a new workplace culture that operates quite differently?
This article looks at just that and focuses on seven key areas of UK to the USA differences. Understanding them early on will help you make sense of your new environment and adapt your British (probably understated) style to flourish in the American workplace.
How to adjust when you move from the UK to the USA
Your first impressions matter, but so does your interpretation of what you’re seeing and hearing. Here are seven areas to consider that will help you settle into your new workplace and learn to navigate American life and the professional work environment with confidence.
1. Service when you move from the UK to the USA
The US is a highly service-driven culture. You’ll notice more responsiveness, more urgency, and more “can-do” energy than you’re used to in the UK. This applies to both customer-facing industries and internal workplace interactions.
If you make a request or raise an issue, it will often be dealt with promptly, and with an enthusiastic:
“Absolutely!” or
“No problem!”
You might feel slightly overwhelmed at first or worry that your more reserved style could come across as disinterested or disengaged. Don’t be afraid to lean into and learn from the energy a little as it’s part of what makes things happen quickly.
However, be mindful that this high-speed service culture comes with an expectation of responsiveness in return. The pace is faster, and people may expect you to act with urgency, and work late or handle something which is not directly in your remit.
2. Time and Timeliness
In the US, things move quickly, both in and out of the workplace. Hiring processes, firing processes, decision-making, and even setting up utilities tend to happen faster than in the UK. The flip side is that people often work longer hours and are expected to be contactable more of the time.
You might find yourself adjusting to phrases like:
“ASAP,”
“end of day,” and
“close of business.”
Deadlines may feel tighter, and there’s often less tolerance for delays, even those out of your control.
3. Language differences from the UK to the USA
English is spoken everywhere in the United States as well as other languages particularly Spanish. Yes, it’s English which is being spoken, but it’s American English which differs to some extent in different regions of the US. There will be spelling differences, for example:
color vs colour,
organize vs organise,
plow and plough,
skillful and skilful.
You will also find some words carry different meanings, for example:
pants for trousers
jelly for jam
cookie for biscuit
biscuit for scone
gas for petrol
trunk for boot.
Furthermore, the general tone tends to be more upbeat and direct.
An example
Your team leader asks you how your work is going.
You respond:
“Not too bad.”
Your team leader might wonder if something’s wrong as to an American ear, that sounds a bit negative. Your team leader will probably be expecting that if things are going well, you will respond with:
“Fantastic” or “Everything’s really great”.
You’ll also notice far less swearing in the workplace. If you’ve developed the habit of muttering a casual expletive at your screen, you may want to avoid this especially in more formal or corporate settings.
Comparison of American and British English on Wikipedia
4. Humour
This is one of the most significant cultural differences. British sarcasm, irony, and understatement don’t always translate well. Jokes that would be standard fare at a UK office could easily confuse or even offend in the US, where humour tends to be more positive, sincere, and family-friendly.
Although, Americans do love humour but they just express it differently. You may find the banter a bit less sharp, but you’ll also notice how much people laugh in meetings and social settings. Once you learn the tone, you’ll be able to join in and just save the darker jokes for when you are speaking to people back in the UK.
5. Work-Life Balance
There’s a different rhythm to work and personal life in the US. People often work longer hours and take fewer holidays. You may notice that colleagues check their email while on holiday or work through illness. This is not necessarily because they have to, but because it’s seen as dedication.
Holiday entitlement is typically much lower than in the UK, and while there’s usually some flexibility, it’s common to have only two weeks of annual leave. Sick days are often lumped into general “PTO” (paid time off), so most people may take time off for illness much more sparingly.
What is the positive side? You’ll likely see a lot of ambition and energy, and you may find your own productivity rising in response.
6. Work Culture when you move from the UK to the USA
Teamwork
Teamwork is valued, but individual contribution is openly recognised and rewarded. You’ll hear more praise in meetings, more “shout-outs”, and even physical awards or certificates. If you achieve something, don’t be shy as your colleagues won’t be.
Meetings
Meetings are often more structured, with clear agendas and expected outcomes. People tend to speak up confidently, and even junior team members may voice opinions or challenge leadership (politely). You may find yourself encouraged to “own” your projects and speak with more conviction and positivity than feels natural at first.
Creativity
Creativity is celebrated and often encouraged through a spirit of risk-taking. In contrast to the UK’s more cautious attitude, failure is viewed in the US as a learning opportunity. If you’ve got an idea then always share it! You’ll be surprised how open people are to experimentation and innovation.
Requests
You’ll notice requests are far more direct.
An example sub sub
A request from a colleague or team leader:
“Can you get this to me by 2pm today?”
This may seem very direct to you if you are expecting, the British style:
“When you have a moment, I wonder if you might be able to send this to me, ideally this afternoon.”
This may feel abrupt to, but it’s not intended to be rude but is just seen as efficient. If you reply that you can’t, it won’t be viewed as negative as long as you give a reason.
Time off from work
As mentioned earlier, the time off culture is more limited and less protected. If you’re used to generous sick leave, maternity/paternity policies, duvet days, or statutory holiday entitlement, you may need to manage your expectations. That said, some US companies, particularly in the tech sector, offer generous “unlimited” PTO (though this isn’t always as unlimited as it sounds).
7. Socialising when you move from the UK to the USA
In the US, work and social life can blend more naturally. You may be invited to after-work events, “happy hours,” or team-building outings. Alcohol may be present, but in smaller quantities than in the UK. “Going for a drink” usually means one drink and rarely means the same extended pub evening it does at home in the UK.
Americans are typically more outwardly friendly and curious. You may find that people ask more questions about your background, your weekend, or even your feelings. There is no need to be alarmed, it’s just part of the culture.
If you’re willing to engage, you’ll likely find yourself making connections quickly even if they feel more casual at first.
Then you may find that the relationship stays at this level and doesn’t progress to anything deeper.
Conclusion and Key Takeaways
Moving from the UK to the US to work is a bold step that can transform your career and broaden your world. The learning curve can be steep, but the energy and enthusiasm of the American workplace is often infectious.
Be prepared for a faster pace, a warmer tone, and a more direct way of doing things. Once you adapt, you may find yourself thriving in ways you hadn’t expected.
If you’d like to discuss your upcoming move, whether from the UK to the USA or other current challenges, book a half hour situation appraisal with our Director, Caroline Gregory, or get in touch via our contact form below and subscribe for our updates.