Menu

The work culture in Vietnam

Post new topic

Mickael

Hello everyone,

As an expatriate, working in Vietnam can present unique opportunities but also challenges. Discovering new communication styles, adapting to new cultural norms... working in Vietnam can be both exciting and confusing.

Share your experience to better understand the work culture in Vietnam and facilitate the professional adaptation of people who are wondering about it.

How would you define the work culture in Vietnam?

What was the most difficult thing for you when you started working?

What made the biggest impression on you?

How did you fit into your team?

Thank you for your contribution.

Mickael
team

MartinLe

@Mickael


How would you define the work culture in Vietnam? Thoroughly corrupt.


What was the most difficult thing for you when you started working?  Getting a work permit even though I work pro bona.


What made the biggest impression on you? How incredible corrupt and complicated the buracrazy is in Vietnam.


How did you fit into your team? Easy, no problem at all. The Vietnamese people is forthcoming, friendly and welcomes you.

Pooja Srinivasan

@Mickael


How would you define the work culture in Vietnam?

A positive workplace culture is one that is built on meaningful work, open communication, and core values. And lucky for employers who have one, once an employee is embraced by a strong workplace culture like this, they don't have many reasons to leave.


What was the most difficult thing for you when you started working?

I give 100% and I expect the same from others. I am very driven to succeed and I always give my all in providing the best work and getting things done well before the deadline.



What made the biggest impression on you?

A person's appearance, clothes, body language, manners, and the way they talk all contribute to first impressions.


How did you fit into your team?

Be patient and getting to know others is a process.




Thank you

sanderenter

@Mickael


How would you define the work culture in Vietnam?


Based on my experience as an American working as a consultant in the Vietnam hotel and service industry for the last six years, I find that women are advancing their economic independence faster than men. The traditional culture of women staying home to take care of the family, while the men work, is giving way to more women with higher education degrees, English language proficiency, and unique job skills, often resulting in women not only being the main source of income but also women less interested in marrying or having children early in their career.



What was the most difficult thing for you when you started working?


Besides the obvious language barrier, I come from a country where from a very young age people are encouraged to think independently and to create ways to increase job performance or volunteer new ideas no matter the job title.  In Vietnam, I find staff is very much looking to be “micromanaged,” a term that has very negative connotations in my culture.  For example, when there is a problem at work, employees here will often wait for direction from a boss, even if the solution is very obvious and easily solved on their own.


What made the biggest impression on you?

Not what but who.  Women, often work full time but also maintain the traditions of cooking each meal, taking care of both the kids and the mother-in-law, and overall putting their families ahead of their own self-care. 




How did you fit into your team?


Contrary to my experiences working in the Western culture - where having an “alpha” type personality and acting boisterous and confident often gets noticed and results in promotions and accolades, I found that taking a very soft-spoken and humble approach to both work and non-work related situations got more positive results and helped me fit in as a member of my teams.

Articles to help you in your expat project in Vietnam

  • Working in Vietnam
    Working in Vietnam

    Anyone thinking about working in Vietnam is in for a treat. Compared to many Western countries, Vietnam's ...

  • Setting up a business in Vietnam
    Setting up a business in Vietnam

    Foreign entrepreneurs from across the globe have been landing across Asia for decades. In August, Harvard ranked ...

  • Finding a job in Hanoi
    Finding a job in Hanoi

    With Vietnam's new visa regulations, you will need to secure a job before entering the country. Opportunities to ...

  • Working in Hanoi
    Working in Hanoi

    The traditional capital of Vietnam is quickly becoming a professional's paradise. Attracting over 20,000 ...

  • Internships in Vietnam
    Internships in Vietnam

    Interning can be a wonderful eye-opening way to experience a new country, culture, and work climate in your ...

  • Working in Vietnam as a digital nomad
    Working in Vietnam as a digital nomad

    Vietnam is emerging as a new popular destination for digital nomads and downshifters. As the prices in most Asian ...

  • The Vietnamese labor market
    The Vietnamese labor market

    Depending on your industry and patience, finding a job in Vietnam can be a challenge. Many companies and local ...

  • Working in Nha Trang
    Working in Nha Trang

    The city of Nha Trang, located in the province of Khanh Hoa, thrives on tourism. If you are looking for a job in ...

All of Vietnam's guide articles