Thanks to the favourable tax climate, expats will be well placed to do business in the Channel Islands. British and French customs heavily influence the business culture on the islands.
Fast facts
Business language
English, and much less frequently, French.
Business hours
Typically, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, with an hour for lunch.
Greetings
A firm handshake is the standard greeting in professional settings. Expats should avoid addressing colleagues by first name unless asked to do so. Correct use of titles is important too.
Dress
Businesspeople in the Channel Islands tend to dress professionally and conservatively, but the exact dress code differs between companies. Men typically wear suits and ties; women opt for business suits or smart professional attire.
Gifts
Bringing a small gift like flowers or chocolates is polite when invited to a colleague’s home. The islands are predominantly Christian, and there are no significant religious restrictions on gifts of food or wine.
Gender equality
Gender equality in the Channel Islands is protected by law, but there is a gender pay gap on both islands – Guernsey’s gap sits notably above the OECD average. Women are underrepresented in senior roles, although this is slowly being rectified. Expat businesswomen are unlikely to face overt discrimination, but the glass ceiling is a documented reality.
Business culture in the Channel Islands
Expats familiar with the business culture in the UK or France will notice many similarities when doing business in the Channel Islands.
Hierarchy
As with many corporations in the United Kingdom, most businesses in the Channel Islands have a hierarchical structure, with the most significant decisions made at the highest levels. Employees lower in the hierarchy are expected to carry out orders without giving much input. That said, some companies are moving towards a more egalitarian approach to management, where all employees are invited and encouraged to weigh in during major business discussions.
Communication
It is cardinal for expats working in the Channel Islands to be tactful in all their business dealings. Delicacy and finesse are valuable tools for expats to use as they adjust to their new business culture.