If you have the opportunity to take your career to Canada, get ready for a chance to experience new cultures and meet people from all over the world. A variety of skills are in demand in English-speaking countries like Canada, where an IELTS test is required by organisations and visa authorities.
As you prepare for your IELTS test so you can apply for a role in Canada, take note of what to expect from the work culture by reading the guide below.
Communication
Being polite and practicing good manners are habits that are highly valued across Canada. People usually go out of their way to be polite, especially in the workplace. This means communication is often indirect and even managers or leaders will make polite suggestions instead of demands.
Punctuality is also important in Canada - arriving late to the office or for meetings could be seen as a sign of disrespect. Once you arrive in Canada, make sure you learn the best route from your home to your office or familiarise yourself with public transport schedules so you can plan to be early or on time.
When preparing for the Speaking Section of your IELTS test, practice making polite suggestions and asking for directions.
Building a network
Working abroad offers the chance to meet new people and gain new perspectives. Joining the workforce in Canada is an opportunity to become part of a diverse community of professionals from various backgrounds.
Colleagues often become friends but professionalism is always maintained in the workplace. Small talk is common and can go a long way in building relationships.
Leadership styles
While there are definite hierarchical structures in Canadian organisations, leadership styles can be quite informal. It is common to be on a first-name basis with department heads and input from all team members is valued. There is a big emphasis on teamwork and giving feedback.
Observe the way your colleagues interact with leaders and with each other in the office before making any assumptions. You will likely find that casual interactions are quite common and an “open door policy” is in place, making it easy to contribute ideas no matter what your position in the company is.
Work life balance
Companies in Canada are encouraged to consider how they can help their employees achieve work-life balance. Although Canada ranks in the top 10 countries for work life balance according to a 2024 study by a global Human Resources Firm, many companies are very results driven and the amount of time off you receive depends on the specific company and even the province in which you work.
Preparing for IELTS is a great way to boost your confidence before you start working in Canada. No one prepares you for the future like we do!