Hire in India

Culture & Holidays

Languages 

India is a multilingual workplace environment, with Hindi and English designated as India’s official languages. India also has multiple regional languages. English is commonly spoken in corporate settings, and Hindi is widely spoken in government and business sectors, particularly in North and Central India. Workplaces often operate in a bilingual or multilingual manner, depending on the industry and region. 

In corporate sectors like IT and finance, English is the primary language for communication, documentation, and client interactions, especially in multinational companies. Meetings, presentations, and official emails are generally conducted in English, though employees may use regional languages informally. 

In government offices and public sector organizations, Hindi and state languages are commonly used for internal communication and documentation.  

The manufacturing sector relies on local languages for daily operations, especially in labor-intensive industries. Factories, warehouses, and construction sites primarily use Hindi or regional languages. 

In customer service, language use depends on clientele. English and Hindi are common for domestic and international customer support, while many companies also hire speakers of Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Bengali, and Marathi to cater to regional customers.

Workplace norms and professional etiquette

Employers in India must be aware of workplace norms, business communication styles, and professional etiquette to ensure smooth operations and maintain positive employee relations. India's work culture blends hierarchical structures, respect for authority, and relationship-building while also embracing modern corporate values in global businesses. 

Working hours and overtime

India has a six-day workweek that runs from Monday through Friday for eight hours a day plus a half day on Saturday. Employees are prohibited from working for more than nine hours a day (or eight in some states), or 48 hours a week. 

Any work beyond nine hours a day or 48 hours a week is considered overtime, and employees are entitled to twice the normal rate of pay per hour. 

As your EOR in India, Safeguard Global helps manage the termination processes and ensure compliance with local labor law. 

India has a six-day workweek that runs from Monday through Friday for eight hours a day plus a half day on Saturday. Employees are prohibited from working for more than nine hours a day (or eight in some states), or 48 hours a week. 

Any work beyond nine hours a day or 48 hours a week is considered overtime, and employees are entitled to twice the normal rate of pay per hour. 

As your EOR in India, Safeguard Global helps manage the termination processes and ensure compliance with local labor law. 

Workplace hierarchy and authority 

• Indian workplaces, especially in traditional industries and government sectors, tend to be hierarchical, with senior management making key decisions. 

• Employees generally show deference to senior colleagues and managers, using formal greetings and respectful language. 

• Decision-making can be top-down, but modern startups and multinational corporations have begun encouraging collaborative approaches. 

• Communication is often formal and polite, especially in written correspondence such as emails. 

• Networking and informal discussions (over tea breaks or lunch) help in professional growth and collaboration. 

• Employees may hesitate to say "no" directly, preferring diplomatic phrases like "I will try" or "Let me check."  

• Follow-up is crucial in Indian business culture, as decisions and approvals may take time. 

Email and phone etiquette

• Business emails should be formal, polite, and structured, starting with a greeting and ending with a professional sign-off. 

• In phone calls, a courteous greeting is expected, and small talk before discussing business is common. 

• Employees often use WhatsApp for quick work-related communication, though formal matters are handled via email. 

Meeting etiquette and punctuality 

• Punctuality is valued though meetings may start a few minutes late, especially in informal settings. 
• Business meetings often begin with small talk before transitioning into formal discussions. Handshakes are common in corporate environments, but some professionals may prefer a traditional "Namaste" greeting. 

Professional dress code   

• Corporate offices and multinational corporations expect formal or business casual attire (suits, shirts, trousers, formal dresses). 
• In traditional industries, especially family-owned businesses, employees may wear ethnic attire on special occasions. 
• Start-ups and tech companies often have a relaxed dress code, favoring smart casuals.

National holidays

India observes three national holidays, and states have additional public holidays. 

• Jan. 26: Republic Day 

• Aug. 15: Independence Day 

• Oct. 2: Birthday of Mahatma Gandhi