Culture and Holidays in Mexico

Languages

Mexico is a multilingual workplace environment, with Spanish, English, and indigenous languages used across industries. While Spanish dominates corporate settings, English is widely spoken in government and business sectors, particularly in northern regions and tourist areas. Workplaces often operate in a bilingual or multilingual manner, depending on the industry and region.

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

In government offices and public sector organizations, Spanish and indigenous languages are commonly used for internal communication and documentation. Mexico recognizes 68 national languages, with efforts to preserve indigenous languages such as Nahuatl and Maya.

The manufacturing and retail sectors rely on Spanish for daily operations, especially in labor-intensive industries. Factories, warehouses, and construction sites primarily use Spanish, while management-level communication may be in English.

In customer service, language use depends on clientele. Spanish is common for domestic support, while many companies also hire English speakers to cater to international customers.

Workplace norms and professional etiquette

Workplace norms in Mexico balance traditional values with modern professional practices. Personal rapport, mutual respect, and formality guide many aspects of business interactions. Here’s what to expect:

Workplace hierarchy and authority

Mexican workplaces often have a hierarchical structure. Senior leaders are expected to make decisions, but input from subordinates is valued. Employees are expected to show respect for authority and observe formal protocols when interacting with managers.

Email and phone etiquette

Business emails and phone calls are typically formal and polite. Emails often begin with greetings such as “Estimado/a” and end with courteous sign-offs like “Atentamente.” Phone conversations may begin with small talk before transitioning to business matters.

Meeting etiquette and punctuality

Punctuality is expected, although meetings may begin a few minutes late. In-person meetings usually begin with greetings and small talk. Business attire is standard in formal sectors, while startups and tech companies may adopt a more casual dress code.

Professional dress code

In corporate settings, men often wear suits or collared shirts with dress pants, while women wear dresses or formal businesswear. Dress standards vary by industry, with more flexibility in creative or tech sectors.

National holidays

Employees are entitled to the following 8 paid public holidays:

• Jan. 1: New Year’s Day 
• First Monday in February: Constitution Day 
• Third Monday in March: Benito Juarez Day 
• May 1: International Labor Day 
• Sept. 16: Independence Day 
• Third Monday in November: Revolution Day 
• Dec. 1 every six years (2024, 2030, etc.): Presidential Inauguration Day 
• Dec. 25: Christmas Day 

Employees required to work on a statutory holiday are entitled to double their normal daily pay in addition to their regular salary. If a public holiday occurs on a Sunday, the following Monday is designated as a day off; if it takes place on a Saturday, Friday is provided as a day off.