Hierarchy
In traditional Luxembourgian business culture, hierarchies are distinct, strict and comparatively steep. They reflect the influence the Christian religion – Roman Catholicism to be more precise – has had on social values and protocol. Staff with a high level of seniority are generally well respected.

Despite the conventionally centred structures within companies and organisations, however, a management approach of increased participation of staff and subordinates has become more popular throughout the recent decades.

Luxembourgers are perceived as rational and pragmatic. With charm and courtesy being every day means of communication assertiveness and strong criticism are not appreciated.
 
Strategy
Both long-term and short-term developments are taken into account when developing a business strategy. As Luxembourgers are used to carefully calculating potential risks, decisions are reached comparatively slowly.

Meetings
In Luxembourg, meetings tend to be brief. Typically, only a minimum of small talk preludes business. Protocol and rules of conduct are adhered to. In most cases, major decisions will have been taken before a meeting, hence the time will be used to merely formalise a decision and to give instructions.

Negotiations
When entering negotiations with a Luxembourgish business partner, be careful not to rush things and stick to a formal code. Avoid high-pressure tactics, as they might work against you.

Luxembourgers are known for their prudent and rational approach to business, they do not welcome emotional outbursts of any kind. Similarly, boasting about prior accomplishments or making exaggerated claims will not earn you credit. Make sure you are well prepared when presenting your idea, offer or business model and maintain eye contact with your opponent while speaking.

Decisions
Decisions are preferably based on consensus, which might lead to a lengthy negotiation process; each side should be seen as benefitting from a certain decision.

Decisions are made at the top of an organisation and in private. Hence, when entering negotiations, it is worthwhile making sure beforehand, that the person who will represent a certain party is actually entitled to decide.

Time perception
In Luxembourg schedules as well as deadlines matter; unless unavoidable they are strictly adhered to. Punctuality, too, is taken rather seriously, particularly in a business context, but also with regard to social events. If – for whatever reason – one happens to be running late, it is advisable to try and call the waiting party, in order to prepare them for the delay.

Office hours are from 8.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m., Monday to Friday.

Appointments
You won’t necessarily be needing a third-party introduction in order to get in touch with someone, however it can be helpful to use one’s pre-existing contacts in such a way. Try and schedule business appointments about two weeks in advance. Avoid planning appointments during the months of July and August as well as around Christmas and Easter, as a lot of people will use this period of the year to go on vacation.

Meeting and greeting
Polite aloofness is characteristic of many Luxembourgers, especially when addressing foreigners. The intention is to respect someone’s privacy and to keep business life and private life separated.

When greeting a colleague or business partner, a firm handshake is appropriate. Three light kisses on the cheeks are exchanged between good friends, not between males, however.

In a business context, stick to formal behaviour and keep using last names and the formal address until invited to do otherwise.

Dress code
The typical business dress code is formal, not extremely stylish, but rather on the conservative side. A restrained colour palette and an awareness for brands and high quality are common among Luxembourgers, most of whom are striving for a classic and sophisticated look. Men wear a suit and tie; women are dressed in suit, dress or blouse and skirt.

Wining and dining
Note that Luxembourgers take pride in their national culture, hence do not associate them with the French, or with their Belgian or their German neighbours. Doing business in Luxembourg requires taking an interest in local customs and etiquette.

When invited to someone’s home for a dinner, don’t forget to bring a small gift, flowers, chocolates or a good bottle of wine.

Business cards
Business cards are widely used and commonly presented when people meet for the first time. A typical card mentions job title and academic tile. When doing business with Luxembourgers, it is advisable to have cards printed in both French and German.

This information is based on the Looking for work in Luxembourg guide (ISBN 978-90-5896-076-4, written by Expertise in Labour Mobility.

This one-pager is one step to making your international career aspirations become reality.

The full Looking for work in Luxembourg guide tells you everything you need to know. If you want to order or find out more about our services, have a look at www.labourmobility.com.