Managing in Brazil
Monday, November 25, 2013
When you think of Brazil, what comes to mind?
Maybe you picture the Amazon rain forest, bursting with colorful birds and vibrant flowers, or the country's excellent climate. Or you might think of the vibrant and energetic cities of Rio de Janeiro or São Paulo.
If you're doing business in Brazil or if you've been put in charge of managing a Brazilian team, you're probably excited about the opportunity. Brazil is an exotic, diverse country, and there's a lot to learn before you take your next step!
In this article, we'll examine what you need to know to live, work, and manage in Brazil.
Note:
Brazil is a very diverse country, and the guidelines below are intended only as general advice. As such, it's important to keep an open mind and use your best judgment, depending on your situation and the individuals you are working with.
Brazilian Culture
Brazil is the fifth-largest country in the world, with a population of 205.7 million people. It's also one of the world's biggest democracies. The country is considered a "rising star" in the global economy because of its growth in recent years. The country has also gained respect recently, due to its efforts to lift millions of people out of poverty and reduce social inequality.
Brazil borders many other countries.
The official language of Brazil is Brazilian Portuguese. Some people in larger cities speak English, but it's not that common. So it's worth learning at least some key phrases before you arrive.
The primary religion of Brazil, practiced by almost 74 percent of the population, is Roman Catholicism. The influence of religion is evident with the number of national holidays, which we'll discuss later in this article.
Employment Laws
Brazil is known for its complex and extensive employment laws. The majority of the laws protect the employee, often at the employer's expense.
Although the law does not require a contract that spells out the terms and conditions of employment, most organizations create one as a best practice.
Benefits/Vacation Time
Brazilian law says that employers must pay employees who work more than 15 hours a week a "13th Month" salary at the end of the year. (This is a bit like a bonus payment.) People also get a vacation bonus, which is 33 percent of their monthly salary, and enjoy 41 vacation days per year (which includes public holidays).
Brazil also has a generous maternity leave policy: new mothers are guaranteed six months' paid leave. People also receive five days' compassionate leave in the event of the death or illness of a partner, child, or parent.
Termination
Terminating someone's employment is a complex process in Brazil. For termination to be official, an employer must file an explanation with the relevant labor authority. An employer must be able to provide proof that it has just cause for terminating employment in case the employee files a claim or lawsuit alleging wrongful termination.
Employers must also deposit a penalty ranging from 8 percent to 40 percent of the employee's salary (depending on the reason for termination) into an interest-bearing account called the Unemployment Compensation Fund, which the employee receives upon termination.
Employees working for an organization for one year or less are entitled to a 30-day termination notice; if they've been working there for more than one year, they're entitled to up to 90 days' notice. These termination laws also apply to foreign people and expatriates working for Brazilian companies.
Companies have lost millions over poorly-handled terminations. For this reason, it's vital to be extremely careful when terminating someone. Consult with your boss and with your local HR team if you can, and perhaps have a lawyer look over the employment contract before taking any action.
Overtime Laws
Brazil passed a law in 2011 that allows employees who answer a work call or send a company email outside of regular office hours to claim this extra work as overtime. (Some professionals fear that their boss or organization will judge them negatively if they make this claim.) Therefore, whenever possible, it's best to contact your team about work only during regular office hours.
Tip:
For more on Brazilian employment law, see the Citizenship section of the Brazilian Government website.
Public Vacations/Holidays
Brazil's national holidays include:
January 1 – New Year's Day.
February 11 and February 12 (date changes each year) – Carnival.
March 29 (date changes each year) – Good Friday.
April 21 – Tiradentes (Brazilian Martyr for National Independence).
May 1 – Labor Day.
May 30 (date changes each year) – Corpus Christi.
September 7 – Independence Day.
October 12 – Our Saint Lady of Aparecida.
November 2 – All Souls' Day.
November 15 – Proclamation of the Republic.
December 25 – Christmas Day.
You've likely already heard of Brazil's famous carnival, which is one of the world's largest celebrations. This takes place four days before Ash Wednesday (in mid- to late- February). "Carnival" is an enormous celebration, and you'll likely find it difficult to travel in the days leading up to the event. If you need to schedule important projects or meetings around this time, you should probably wait until after the carnival season.
In addition, each of the 26 states within Brazil has its own holidays, and there are separate holidays in many cities. So check the holidays in your location before scheduling any meetings or project deadlines with your team.
Managing People
Family and relationships are central to Brazilian life, and this extends to the workplace. If your team members like and respect you, they'll feel more motivated to do things for you. To establish strong working relationships, you need to put in a lot of face-to-face time to build good relationships with your team.
The concept of face-to-face time is important to understand, since many Western businesses conduct meetings and negotiations over the phone or through videoconferencing. Brazilian people, however, will want to get to know you: this includes spending time with you in person. Whenever you can, avoid the phone, IM, and email, and talk to your people in person, which will help you develop your relationship. Of course, if you're managing a virtual team , then relying on the phone and email is unavoidable; try to supplement this with video chat or videoconferencing.
Brazilian people often talk over each other, especially at work. They don't consider this rude, because they aren't afraid to say what they think. Expect these interruptions, and don't take offense if someone on your team cuts you off. You'll rise in your team members' estimation by staying relaxed and being flexible.
Brazilian people are also quite likely to take risks, and you'll also gain their respect by showing that you're not afraid to take some risks yourself.
When you sit down with your team for a meeting, allow time at the beginning for social conversation. This initial conversation is an important part of them getting to know you, so take part and don't rush it! The meeting will get down to business when everyone's ready.
It's also important to keep your emotions in check. Brazilian people pride themselves on staying in control, especially when they're upset or angry. You'll gain your team's respect by managing your emotions .
Last, never criticize someone on your team publicly. Not only will this embarrass your team member, but it will also cause you to lose face. Always give feedback privately, especially if it's negative. (See our article on Cross Cultural Communication for more on this.)
Office and Social Etiquette
Consider these additional tips for office and social etiquette:
Brazilian people always wash their hands before eating, and they rarely touch their food with their hands. When you're out with colleagues, make sure that you practice good hygiene, and use utensils where practical.
Appearances count in Brazil. This includes which hotel you stay in, how clean your hands are (and whether they're manicured), how clean your shoes are, and even what kind of pen you carry. These details may seem insignificant to many people, but, to Brazilian people, they say a lot about who you are. Pay attention to your appearance, habits, and lodging if you wish to impress your team!
Clothing is important to most Brazilians. In this culture, your clothing reflects you and your organization, so it's important to be well-dressed. Men's suits should be tailored and of good quality. Women should dress smartly and elegantly and avoid overly conservative, dark suits. (Be flexible with this though – this will clearly be different in some industries.)
Schedule all business meetings two to three weeks in advance if you can, but don't expect them to start or end on time. Punctuality is rare, so it's best to adopt a flexible attitude! Show up on time, but be prepared to wait up to 30 minutes for your team or colleagues.
Like many larger cities around the world, places such as Rio de Janeiro are known for thieves, pickpockets, and scammers. Before you walk the streets in these big cities, research common scams. Scammers, working alone or in a group, often target foreign people. Be wary of anyone who seems overly helpful, wants to show you around, or tries to distract you.
It's common to eat lunch with your colleagues, team, or boss. Lunch is a slow affair, sometimes lasting two or more hours. Don't discuss business unless your host brings up the topic first.
Coffee and light snacks are often served during business meetings. Always accept an offer of food and drink, even if you're not hungry. Saying no is considered an insult.
Don't make the "Western" hand gesture for OK; Brazilians consider this a very rude gesture.
When greeting someone, engage in a firm handshake while maintaining eye contact. Most women will greet you by exchanging a kiss on each cheek.
Avoid personal questions with colleagues or team members that you don't know well. Avoid topics such as Argentina, crime, the rain forest deforestation, the Brazilian class system, government corruption, marriage, salary, religion, or age: these are sensitive issues.
If you're invited to someone's home for drinks or dinner, it's appropriate to bring a small gift such as flowers, wine, whiskey, or champagne. If children will be present, bring small gifts for them as well.
It's not common to give gifts in business relationships: any gifts can be seen as a bribe. If you must give a gift to someone you work with, give the gift in a social environment. Never give gifts that are purple or black, including purple flowers, since this color is associated with mourning and funerals. Avoid giving handkerchiefs, for the same reason.
Key Points
Brazil, the fifth-largest country in the world, is an increasingly important country on the world stage. The country has a population of 196 million people, and its official language is Brazilian Portuguese.
The country's employment laws are complex and are designed to protect employees rather than organizations. It's wise to consult with your boss or HR department and do your own detailed research before hiring or firing someone.
Brazilians consider family and relationships to be of the utmost importance. Keep this in mind when managing your team. Do whatever you can to put in face-to-face time with your people, and show them that you can be trusted. Once you've established a solid relationship with your team members, they'll be more motivated to work for you.
Tags:
Skills, Team Management
Maybe you picture the Amazon rain forest, bursting with colorful birds and vibrant flowers, or the country's excellent climate. Or you might think of the vibrant and energetic cities of Rio de Janeiro or São Paulo.
If you're doing business in Brazil or if you've been put in charge of managing a Brazilian team, you're probably excited about the opportunity. Brazil is an exotic, diverse country, and there's a lot to learn before you take your next step!
In this article, we'll examine what you need to know to live, work, and manage in Brazil.
Note:
Brazil is a very diverse country, and the guidelines below are intended only as general advice. As such, it's important to keep an open mind and use your best judgment, depending on your situation and the individuals you are working with.
Brazilian Culture
Brazil is the fifth-largest country in the world, with a population of 205.7 million people. It's also one of the world's biggest democracies. The country is considered a "rising star" in the global economy because of its growth in recent years. The country has also gained respect recently, due to its efforts to lift millions of people out of poverty and reduce social inequality.
Brazil borders many other countries.
The official language of Brazil is Brazilian Portuguese. Some people in larger cities speak English, but it's not that common. So it's worth learning at least some key phrases before you arrive.
The primary religion of Brazil, practiced by almost 74 percent of the population, is Roman Catholicism. The influence of religion is evident with the number of national holidays, which we'll discuss later in this article.
Employment Laws
Brazil is known for its complex and extensive employment laws. The majority of the laws protect the employee, often at the employer's expense.
Although the law does not require a contract that spells out the terms and conditions of employment, most organizations create one as a best practice.
Benefits/Vacation Time
Brazilian law says that employers must pay employees who work more than 15 hours a week a "13th Month" salary at the end of the year. (This is a bit like a bonus payment.) People also get a vacation bonus, which is 33 percent of their monthly salary, and enjoy 41 vacation days per year (which includes public holidays).
Brazil also has a generous maternity leave policy: new mothers are guaranteed six months' paid leave. People also receive five days' compassionate leave in the event of the death or illness of a partner, child, or parent.
Termination
Terminating someone's employment is a complex process in Brazil. For termination to be official, an employer must file an explanation with the relevant labor authority. An employer must be able to provide proof that it has just cause for terminating employment in case the employee files a claim or lawsuit alleging wrongful termination.
Employers must also deposit a penalty ranging from 8 percent to 40 percent of the employee's salary (depending on the reason for termination) into an interest-bearing account called the Unemployment Compensation Fund, which the employee receives upon termination.
Employees working for an organization for one year or less are entitled to a 30-day termination notice; if they've been working there for more than one year, they're entitled to up to 90 days' notice. These termination laws also apply to foreign people and expatriates working for Brazilian companies.
Companies have lost millions over poorly-handled terminations. For this reason, it's vital to be extremely careful when terminating someone. Consult with your boss and with your local HR team if you can, and perhaps have a lawyer look over the employment contract before taking any action.
Overtime Laws
Brazil passed a law in 2011 that allows employees who answer a work call or send a company email outside of regular office hours to claim this extra work as overtime. (Some professionals fear that their boss or organization will judge them negatively if they make this claim.) Therefore, whenever possible, it's best to contact your team about work only during regular office hours.
Tip:
For more on Brazilian employment law, see the Citizenship section of the Brazilian Government website.
Public Vacations/Holidays
Brazil's national holidays include:
January 1 – New Year's Day.
February 11 and February 12 (date changes each year) – Carnival.
March 29 (date changes each year) – Good Friday.
April 21 – Tiradentes (Brazilian Martyr for National Independence).
May 1 – Labor Day.
May 30 (date changes each year) – Corpus Christi.
September 7 – Independence Day.
October 12 – Our Saint Lady of Aparecida.
November 2 – All Souls' Day.
November 15 – Proclamation of the Republic.
December 25 – Christmas Day.
You've likely already heard of Brazil's famous carnival, which is one of the world's largest celebrations. This takes place four days before Ash Wednesday (in mid- to late- February). "Carnival" is an enormous celebration, and you'll likely find it difficult to travel in the days leading up to the event. If you need to schedule important projects or meetings around this time, you should probably wait until after the carnival season.
In addition, each of the 26 states within Brazil has its own holidays, and there are separate holidays in many cities. So check the holidays in your location before scheduling any meetings or project deadlines with your team.
Managing People
Family and relationships are central to Brazilian life, and this extends to the workplace. If your team members like and respect you, they'll feel more motivated to do things for you. To establish strong working relationships, you need to put in a lot of face-to-face time to build good relationships with your team.
The concept of face-to-face time is important to understand, since many Western businesses conduct meetings and negotiations over the phone or through videoconferencing. Brazilian people, however, will want to get to know you: this includes spending time with you in person. Whenever you can, avoid the phone, IM, and email, and talk to your people in person, which will help you develop your relationship. Of course, if you're managing a virtual team , then relying on the phone and email is unavoidable; try to supplement this with video chat or videoconferencing.
Brazilian people often talk over each other, especially at work. They don't consider this rude, because they aren't afraid to say what they think. Expect these interruptions, and don't take offense if someone on your team cuts you off. You'll rise in your team members' estimation by staying relaxed and being flexible.
Brazilian people are also quite likely to take risks, and you'll also gain their respect by showing that you're not afraid to take some risks yourself.
When you sit down with your team for a meeting, allow time at the beginning for social conversation. This initial conversation is an important part of them getting to know you, so take part and don't rush it! The meeting will get down to business when everyone's ready.
It's also important to keep your emotions in check. Brazilian people pride themselves on staying in control, especially when they're upset or angry. You'll gain your team's respect by managing your emotions .
Last, never criticize someone on your team publicly. Not only will this embarrass your team member, but it will also cause you to lose face. Always give feedback privately, especially if it's negative. (See our article on Cross Cultural Communication for more on this.)
Office and Social Etiquette
Consider these additional tips for office and social etiquette:
Brazilian people always wash their hands before eating, and they rarely touch their food with their hands. When you're out with colleagues, make sure that you practice good hygiene, and use utensils where practical.
Appearances count in Brazil. This includes which hotel you stay in, how clean your hands are (and whether they're manicured), how clean your shoes are, and even what kind of pen you carry. These details may seem insignificant to many people, but, to Brazilian people, they say a lot about who you are. Pay attention to your appearance, habits, and lodging if you wish to impress your team!
Clothing is important to most Brazilians. In this culture, your clothing reflects you and your organization, so it's important to be well-dressed. Men's suits should be tailored and of good quality. Women should dress smartly and elegantly and avoid overly conservative, dark suits. (Be flexible with this though – this will clearly be different in some industries.)
Schedule all business meetings two to three weeks in advance if you can, but don't expect them to start or end on time. Punctuality is rare, so it's best to adopt a flexible attitude! Show up on time, but be prepared to wait up to 30 minutes for your team or colleagues.
Like many larger cities around the world, places such as Rio de Janeiro are known for thieves, pickpockets, and scammers. Before you walk the streets in these big cities, research common scams. Scammers, working alone or in a group, often target foreign people. Be wary of anyone who seems overly helpful, wants to show you around, or tries to distract you.
It's common to eat lunch with your colleagues, team, or boss. Lunch is a slow affair, sometimes lasting two or more hours. Don't discuss business unless your host brings up the topic first.
Coffee and light snacks are often served during business meetings. Always accept an offer of food and drink, even if you're not hungry. Saying no is considered an insult.
Don't make the "Western" hand gesture for OK; Brazilians consider this a very rude gesture.
When greeting someone, engage in a firm handshake while maintaining eye contact. Most women will greet you by exchanging a kiss on each cheek.
Avoid personal questions with colleagues or team members that you don't know well. Avoid topics such as Argentina, crime, the rain forest deforestation, the Brazilian class system, government corruption, marriage, salary, religion, or age: these are sensitive issues.
If you're invited to someone's home for drinks or dinner, it's appropriate to bring a small gift such as flowers, wine, whiskey, or champagne. If children will be present, bring small gifts for them as well.
It's not common to give gifts in business relationships: any gifts can be seen as a bribe. If you must give a gift to someone you work with, give the gift in a social environment. Never give gifts that are purple or black, including purple flowers, since this color is associated with mourning and funerals. Avoid giving handkerchiefs, for the same reason.
Key Points
Brazil, the fifth-largest country in the world, is an increasingly important country on the world stage. The country has a population of 196 million people, and its official language is Brazilian Portuguese.
The country's employment laws are complex and are designed to protect employees rather than organizations. It's wise to consult with your boss or HR department and do your own detailed research before hiring or firing someone.
Brazilians consider family and relationships to be of the utmost importance. Keep this in mind when managing your team. Do whatever you can to put in face-to-face time with your people, and show them that you can be trusted. Once you've established a solid relationship with your team members, they'll be more motivated to work for you.
