Polish Business Etiquette Tips

Business people looking to establish and grow a presence in new Polish markets will benefit greatly from practicing proper Polish business etiquette. Being familiar with and practicing this etiquette will give you an advantage when working with your Polish colleagues.

Remember that Poles like to conduct business with people they trust. Do not try to hide your emotions, Poles will interpret this as dishonesty. Honesty is important when building long-term business relationships. By demonstrating proficiency in Polish business etiquette, you will impress your colleagues and demonstrate your aptitude in the business world.

Polish Business Meeting Etiquette

Proper business etiquette for Polish meetings is distinct from that in the United States and in many other countries. Here are some business etiquette tips to help you appropriately interact with your Polish colleagues:

Shake hands upon initial meeting - Please shake hands with everyone individually. Wait for a woman to extend her hand first. Do not kiss the hand of a Polish businesswoman.
Build relationships - Poles like to get to know someone before doing business. Trust is very important in business interactions. Please be prepared for small talk at the beginning of a meeting. This will help your Polish colleagues to get to know you better.
Respect authority and hierarchy - Polish businesses are hierarchical. The most senior members of a company will often make the decisions. The most senior member in a meeting will set a verbal agenda. If you don't speak Polish, consider hiring a Polish translator or interpreter to demonstrate your professionalism and facilitate communication.
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Use titles - Poles are impressed by academic and professional titles. Use them upon initial meeting. Please put them on your business cards. Also please wait to be invited to be on a first name basis with your Polish colleagues.
Support your statements with facts - Poles are expected to back up their statements with facts. Foreigners are expected to do the same.
Be diplomatic - Upon initial meeting, Poles take great care in deciphering the emotions of the other person in order to tailor any remarks accordingly. After a relationship has been established, Poles will become more frank.

Other helpful etiquette tips for Polish business meetings include:

Dress conservatively. Men and women should wear suits when working with big companies. When you are working with a small or medium-sized company, dress that is more casual is acceptable. Always wear subdued colors, like black, grey, brown or beige. Women should avoid excessive jewelry. The Polish business culture is modest and conservative. Always make sure your clothes are well cared for.
Go that extra mile and impress your Polish colleagues by getting a Polish translation of all pertinent documents.
Please do not schedule meetings in June, July or February. These are popular vacation months in Poland. Also please refrain from scheduling meetings on Sundays. Sundays are reserved for family time.
Please do not stand with your hands in your pockets. Do not sit with one ankle rested on your knee. This is considered rude.
Please do not try to hide your feelings. Poles will think you are dishonest.
There is no need to translate business cards into Polish. However, you should learn a few Polish phrases. This will impress your Polish colleagues.
Don’t be surprised if business lunches start at 4:00 p.m., when the Polish workday ends. Lunches and dinners help your Polish colleagues build relationships with you.

Values Honored in Polish Speaking Countries

Trust
Religion
Family
Honesty
Relationships

About Foreign Translations, Inc.

Foreign Translations, Inc., is a 13-year-old foreign language translation, interpreting and website localization firm. With over 3,000 native translators located in over 30 countries, we frequently translate documents that range from 1,000 words to over several million in all the major languages of the world.