In my earlier jobs, I’ve literally sent meeting invites for 12:30 AM. If it’s urgent, I’m always available for my clients and students – 24×7 is a personal commitment I follow.
But often, the late hours weren’t truly necessary. At my new role at Kroll, I have to work with US & UK teams on internal automation tools. The difference in work culture is striking. Recently, I had a late call scheduled from 9:30 PM to 10 PM. Before the meeting, they personally called to check if I was comfortable with the timing. When the discussion began to extend, the director himself said: “It’s 10. Chinmay can drop off – we’ll record the rest or I’ll personally share the notes.”
Another time, I requested a catch-up with my manager – the Managing Director. His only available slot was 6:30 PM on a Friday. When he sent the invite, he added in the email: “If you’d prefer not to work beyond 6 on a Friday, we can do this next week.” These small gestures show a deep respect for personal boundaries – something I truly appreciate.
And here’s my take: it’s not just “culture” or “civic sense.” It also reflects the laws and the procedures of those laws in the country.US & European countries have a framework for accountable judiciary – elected judges + right to jury trials. This legal framework demands fairness and gives equal rights to citizen class i.e. common men & women. People understand that respecting boundaries is not just good etiquette, but part of a system created by laws that values individual rights.
Over time (decades later), these laws create the culture – one where employee rights and personal time are protected. No wonder so many Indians dream of working abroad.
