The Viral List That Sparked Debate
Indian workplaces are unique in their own way—blending cultural warmth, hierarchy, and traditions with modern corporate practices. Recently, a Russian content creator named Yulia stirred discussions on social media when she posted a list of Indian office habits that are perfectly normal here but seen as unusual abroad.
Her Instagram post quickly went viral, with many Indians agreeing with her observations while others defended these habits as part of the country’s cultural identity.
What Did Yulia Say?
1. Bosses Expecting Extra Respect
According to Yulia, the hierarchical system in Indian offices often demands extra gestures of respect toward managers and senior employees. Abroad, however, office cultures are usually flatter, where bosses are addressed casually, sometimes even by their first names.
2. Long Overtime Hours Without Complaint
In India, working long hours—even beyond official office timings—is seen as dedication. Yulia pointed out that in many other countries, strict work-life balance policies exist, and consistently staying late at the office may even raise concerns about inefficiency.
3. Taking Personal Calls Freely
She observed that in Indian workplaces, employees often take personal calls during office hours without much hesitation. In many Western offices, such behavior may be considered unprofessional unless it is an emergency.
4. Bringing Food and Sharing Lunch
One of the most endearing but “abnormal” habits, Yulia said, is the Indian tradition of carrying home-cooked meals and sharing them with colleagues. While abroad, eating alone at desks or grabbing quick bites is common, in India lunch often becomes a moment of bonding.
5. Mixing Professional and Personal Life
Another difference she highlighted was how Indian colleagues often form close personal relationships, celebrating birthdays, festivals, and even family milestones together. In contrast, workplaces abroad usually draw a stricter line between professional and personal life.
Why These Differences Exist
Cultural Roots in Respect and Community
Many of the habits Yulia mentioned come from India’s deeply rooted culture of respect for elders and community bonding. Sharing food, treating bosses with deference, and mingling personal life with professional life reflect the Indian way of building relationships beyond contracts and salaries.
Globalization vs. Tradition
While Indian offices are rapidly adapting to international corporate standards, some traditions remain firmly intact. These habits may seem “abnormal” abroad but are valued in India for making workplaces warmer and more inclusive.
Indian Reactions: Pride and Reflection
Yulia’s list received mixed responses. Many Indians laughed and agreed with her observations, admitting that they had faced cultural shocks when working abroad. Others defended these practices, saying they make Indian offices unique.
On social media, some users expressed pride, especially about the shared lunch culture, calling it one of the most beautiful aspects of Indian workplaces. Others, however, felt that overwork and lack of work-life balance need urgent change.
Lessons for a Global Workforce
In today’s world, where international collaborations are becoming the norm, cultural understanding plays a crucial role. Yulia’s post is not just about Indian quirks—it’s a reminder that every culture defines professionalism differently.
For Indians working abroad, it highlights the need to adapt to global norms. For foreigners working in India, it provides insight into the warmth and relational depth that defines Indian workspaces.
“Abnormal” or Just Different?
What may seem “abnormal” in one country can be perfectly normal in another. Yulia’s list is not a criticism but an invitation to reflect on the beauty of cultural diversity in workplaces.
Indian offices may have their quirks—from sharing dabbas to staying late—but they also carry the warmth of community and togetherness. Perhaps the world can take a lesson from India’s ability to mix professionalism with humanity.
