Increasing Cultural Sensitivity for Employees Moving to Mexico

December 12, 2023

As one of the most dynamic and fastest-growing Latin American countries, Mexico is an attractive proposition for many companies looking to expand their operations. Furthermore, the nation’s capital, Mexico City, is a highly desirable place for expats, boasting a relatively low cost of living, favorable weather, amazing access to Mexican cuisine and Mexican art, as well as the intangible cultural heritage the city offers.

If you are an employee moving to Mexico, you probably have many questions about Mexican culture and Mexican society, as well as what your new professional life may be like once you relocate. Having a decent understanding of the various norms and practices that are part of Mexican life—especially in the corporate sector and in Mexican cities—can help you get ahead as you establish your new career path abroad.

Read on to learn about important points of Mexican culture and identity that may be useful during your time working in Mexico.

Understanding Mexican culture and society

The Mexican population is roughly 126 million people spread across the country’s 32 states. Mexican history is a mix of indigenous traditions from the Mayan and Aztec people, meeting with European heritage resulting from Spanish rule.

Rural and urban areas can be quite different in Mexico, with cities having a more cosmopolitan, laid-back sensibility, thanks to a mixture of Latin and European influences. Rural areas, on the other hand, tend to have a more traditional way of life. The majority of Mexico’s Indigenous population and history is found in Central and Southern Mexico, so if you spend time in these areas, you’re likely to hear more Indigenous Mexican words in addition to Spanish and see different ways of life.

The national culture of Mexico is rich and varied. Most expats will appreciate the incredible regional Mexican food, zealous fervor for football (soccer), passionate mariachi music, and unique traditions, such as the Day of the Dead.

Mexico is a deeply religious country, with a majority of the population identifying as Roman Catholic. Because Mexicans celebrate many religious holidays, you can expect many of your colleagues to observe certain traditions, such as Holy Week in the run up to Easter, feast days honoring local patron saints, and holidays, such as Día de los Muertos. Mexican culture also has a deep reverence for the Virgin Mary, whose iconography features prominently in daily life.

Far from being seen as separate from the workplace or public life, these religious and cultural traditions loom large over Mexican identity and life, and provide a reason for family members and communities to join together.

Language in Mexico

The official language of Mexico is Spanish, and most Mexicans today speak Spanish, so learning a basic level of Spanish for your time there is key. While you may encounter many Mexicans who speak English in touristic areas, such as Mexico City or Baja California, the reality is that the vast majority of Mexicans do not speak English outside of these areas. So even if you expect to be speaking English in your workplace or professional dealings, learning some Spanish will still be essential for daily life.

Learning the language of the Mexican people is not only going to be helpful, it’s also a sign of respect for the country you’re living in, even if only temporarily. Making some effort to integrate Spanish into both your professional and daily lives will likely be appreciated by the overwhelming majority of Mexicans.

Business culture and workplace etiquette in Mexico

Though located firmly in North America, Mexico has quite different workplace norms from its northern neighbor, the US. Business hours tend to be later in Mexico, with the work day starting closer to 10:00 am and ending closer to 7:00 pm. Trying to conduct meetings, appointments, or get deals signed on Mondays or Fridays, or first thing in the morning on any day, is not advisable. As a result, the overall pace can be a bit slower than professional life in the US.

Business meetings

Formal business meetings over a long lunch are a popular way to get deals done. However, you will typically have a shorter, less formal meeting in someone’s office before a lunch meeting is arranged. This is because Mexican professionals like to get to know one another well before signing big deals or agreeing to work together. Be prepared to be patient and build your connections over time.

Be sure to bring plenty of business cards (in both Spanish and English), as it is typical to exchange business cards at the start of a meeting. In addition, dress professionally and respectfully for meetings. Though casual wear has become more common in the US workplace—including athletic shoes and T-shirts—Mexicans still tend to dress to impress for professional engagements. Suits, slacks, and smart footwear will be the norm.

Don’t be surprised or offended if your Mexican counterpart turns up late to a meeting. Punctuality tends to be more fluid in Mexico, and it’s a good idea to confirm your meeting both the week before and the day of the meeting itself, as it wouldn’t be considered rude to cancel at the last minute.

Closing the deal

If you are eager to sign a deal, or get a decision made, you need to make sure you’re appealing to the appropriate person in the company. Mexican business has a high regard for seniority, so deals and agreements can take a long time to get sign-off and approval if decision makers are not present. Always aim to form relationships with high-ranking decision makers to get deals done, but also be prepared to move at the relationship-building pace that is the norm in Mexico.

Stay in the loop with Newland Chase

An experienced immigration specialist can help you navigate the complexities of settling in and adjusting to a new culture. Contact Newland Chase for a quote today.