The U.S. Workplace

The J1 Work & Travel program provides a unique cultural opportunity as it will give you the chance to see the U.S. workplace "from the inside." Below are some points on the U.S. workplace that may be different from what you are used to at home. For a humorous look at the U.S. workplace, watch the movie "Office Space," or the NBC network sitcom, "The Office."

Team Work Americans often refer to a group of employees as a "team," which means that the group should cooperate and work together much like a sports team. It is important that you are able to adjust and fit into this team atmosphere. Help your co-workers, and don't be afraid to ask for their help when you need it. Your employer may even ask you to perform tasks outside of your job description. This is normal – you should do your best to help in these situations. In return for this extra work your employer will be more flexible with your individual requests. It's a matter of "give and take."

Time The U.S. treats time very literally, and being "on time" is essential. Showing up approximately 10 minutes before your shift starts will make a good impression on your employer. If you are often late, you will be seen as a person who doesn't take their job seriously. You will be expected to limit personal conversations during working hours.

Dress Ask your supervisor about appropriate dress and grooming. Your dress should display a professional image, and in some cases, protect you from workplace hazards (for example, wearing closed-toed shoes). Many companies will issue you a full or partial uniform, which you may be required to rent or purchase.

Grooming and Hygiene Both men and women will usually be expected to keep their hair neat, clean (washed at least every other day), and if long, tied back. Men should keep facial hair neat and in accordance with their employer's standards. Women who will have their underarms and/or legs showing – for example, lifeguards and pool cleaners - will often be expected to keep them shaved. Deodorant must be worn daily, and teeth should be brushed at least once a day.

Communication Communication at work involves body language as well as speech. Each office has its own environment and ethics for behavior. For example, standing too close to co-workers can give the wrong impression. Americans shake hands often, but do not kiss cheeks as a greeting. Shake hands firmly. Try not to be too quiet – Americans enjoy seeing emotional reactions and a reserved attitude may suggest that you are unfriendly.

Supervisors may share personal information that you would normally share only with close friends and may allow you to call them by their first name. Socializing on the job is common, and your boss will often join in. Despite any friendliness, you are always expected to do your job and act appropriately.

If you are having problems with a supervisor or co-worker, try to resolve it in a strictly professional manner. You are a new employee and may encounter problems that other co-workers have already experienced. Speak to them about these conflicts – perhaps they can help you resolve them quickly and harmlessly. In any job, you may meet people you do not like, or find difficult to work with. You may find that speaking to the person directly will help take care of the problem. Discussion can avoid unpleasant situations. Show initiative and a desire to learn more about the job.

Rights and Responsibilities at Work

As a seasonal employee, you have the same rights as any of your American co-workers. American employers and employees do not usually sign contracts, so employers can hire and fire when they want (this is called "at will" employment). Job benefits may be different between the U.S. and your home country. Vacations, sick leave, medical insurance, and other items are not usually provided for seasonal jobs.

Workplace Safety

All employers are required to provide their employees with a safe workplace free of hazards that may cause serious illness or death, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) of 1970. All employees must comply with safety and health regulations as per Occupational Health & Safety Administration (OSHA) regulations.

Discrimination & Sexual Harassment

Remember that sexual harassment and racial discrimination are very serious matters in the U.S.. If you sexually harass another employee, it could result in disciplinary action and the termination of your employment. If you feel that you have been the victim of either sexual harassment or racial discrimination in your workplace, you should follow your employer's established policies and procedures to file a complaint. You can contact ERDT (800-321-3738) or the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunities Commission (EEOC) at 800-669-4000 for advice.

Drug Testing

Employers have the right to request that their employees take a drug test. Employees can be tested before starting work, as well as throughout the time that they are employed. You may also be tested if you are involved in an accident. If you fail the drug test, expect to be fired by your employer and to return to your home country immediately.

Your Pay

The law states that you must be paid wages for every hour you've worked. You should be receiving a similar wage to that of your co-workers. The law also sets a "minimum wage," which is the lowest amount you can make per hour. This amount varies from state to state, but should be posted at your workplace. The minimum wage may be lower if you are in a position where you receive lots of tips. If you have questions about your specific case, contact the Department of Labor in the state where you are working, or call ERDT.

There is no maximum amount of money you can earn. You will most likely be paid weekly or sometimes twice per month. Money will be automatically taken out of each paycheck for taxes. Along with each check, your employer should give you a "pay stub" or "pay slip," which will explain exactly what you earned and what you paid in taxes. Depending on your agreement with your employer, you might also have uniform, housing, union membership dues, and other work-related items deducted from your salary. After you receive your first paycheck, but sure to review it to ensure your employer hasn't made any mistakes.

As a new employee, you may be asked to work more than 40 hours, called "overtime." Many companies will pay you one-and-a-half times the normal hourly rate for overtime. Ask your employer for company overtime policies, as they can vary from state to state.

Losing Your Job

You could lose your job for any number of reasons, including financial issues with the company, a lack of skills, or poor performance. Most often workers are fired for being consistently uncooperative or for other disciplinary reasons. If you are doing something that the company does not like, you will usually be told so before the situation gets serious. Contact ERDT immediately if you are terminated.

If you are fired for "just cause" (that is, the company fires you for verified disciplinary reasons) ERDT will require you to leave the program and return home.

Before You Leave Your Job

In order to avoid any problems with your employer before you leave your job, follow these basic instructions:

Jobs You May Not Do

You may not work in domestic positions in U.S. households (child care, chauffeur, gardener, maid, etc), in positions that require you to invest your own money, as a camp counselor, or in any kind of employment involving the care of patients.

Getting a Second Job

If you would like to get a second job, first speak with your employer to get permission. Then call ERDT to get our permission. You will need to provide information on your second job to ERDT, so that we may keep SEVIS updated.