Carreira Contábil nos EUA 24: Férias, Horas Extras e Abstinência como é a Gestão nos EUA

Summary

Douglas Falcão from the 'Contabilidade Vegas' channel shares insights into the cultural differences in the U.S. workplace, especially for accountants. He discusses the challenges of vacation time, which is generally limited to 2-3 weeks per year, compared to Brazil's 30 days. In the U.S., taking extended vacations can be difficult due to workload pressures and the need to avoid burdening colleagues. He also highlights the nuances of overtime, which is often expected but underpaid. Falcão advises viewers to adjust their expectations when transitioning to the U.S. work culture, particularly regarding time off and sick leave policies.

Takeaways

• 😀 In the U.S., vacation days are generally limited to 2-3 weeks per year, compared to Brazil's 30 days of vacation.
• 😀 Unlike Brazil, employees in the U.S. are expected to take smaller, scattered breaks throughout the year, rather than long vacations.
• 😀 In the U.S., overtime work is often expected without additional pay, especially for salaried employees, which can feel like exploitation.
• 😀 Brazilian companies usually have a clear schedule for when employees can take vacations, allowing colleagues to plan around each other's time off.
• 😀 In the U.S., managers often prefer employees to be available for overtime and not take long absences, making the work culture feel demanding.
• 😀 The U.S. workplace culture is more flexible with sick leave, and employees can take personal time off without needing a doctor's note in most cases.
• 😀 When working in the U.S., the number of vacation days is not fixed but can increase with time at the company.
• 😀 The salary range for accounting positions in the U.S. can vary significantly by state and company, with some offering higher pay for roles that require extra work.
• 😀 Many U.S. job titles do not include overtime pay, which may lead to employees working extra hours without compensation.
• 😀 A cultural shock for those coming from Brazil is the higher level of responsibility and expectation of always being available in the U.S. work environment.

Q & A

What is the key cultural difference regarding vacation time between Brazil and the U.S.?

In the U.S., vacation time is generally 2-3 weeks per year, and it is expected that employees take time off intermittently throughout the year. In Brazil, employees often have a set 30-day vacation period and can take extended time off in a block.

How do U.S. managers feel about employees taking extended vacations?

U.S. managers are typically less inclined to approve extended vacations, such as two consecutive weeks off. This is because it places a burden on colleagues to cover the absent employee's work.

How is overtime viewed and compensated in the U.S. compared to Brazil?

In the U.S., overtime is often expected, especially in accounting, and may not be compensated, particularly for salaried, exempt positions. In contrast, in Brazil, employees typically have more structured overtime policies and may receive additional compensation for extra hours worked.

What is the sick leave policy like in the U.S.?

In the U.S., sick leave policies are flexible. Employees can take time off when they are unwell without needing a medical certificate, and they are typically allotted a set number of personal hours per year.

What are the expectations regarding employee absences for health or personal reasons in the U.S.?

Employees in the U.S. are expected to manage their health or personal absences without much interference. They can take personal time off, such as sick leave, without the need for verification from a doctor.

How does the U.S. work culture differ from the Brazilian work culture in terms of managing vacations and time off?

The U.S. work culture is more individualistic, where employees manage their own time off. In Brazil, there is a more structured environment where time off is planned in advance and managed by the company.

How does the U.S. salary structure differ based on the role of an accountant?

Salaries for accountants in the U.S. vary widely, with entry-level positions earning around $50,000 annually, while higher-level positions may earn up to $90,000 or more. Compensation often reflects the level of responsibility and the expectation of overtime work.

What is the ideal approach to taking vacation in the U.S. work environment?

The ideal approach is to take vacation days throughout the year in smaller increments, avoiding long absences. This minimizes disruption to the team and ensures work continuity.

What challenges might an employee face when taking time off in the U.S. compared to Brazil?

In the U.S., employees may face pressure from managers or colleagues when planning time off, as taking long vacations can cause an overload on others. In Brazil, vacation time is generally well-planned and expected, without as much negative impact on the team.

How does the speaker describe the work-life balance in the U.S.?

The speaker describes the U.S. work-life balance as challenging, with a focus on long work hours and a strong expectation to 'power through' tasks. Personal life and well-being can be affected due to the demanding nature of work.