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People sometimes ask if there are any significant differences between the American and Australian cultures – We both speak English and evolved from British colonies right?

As opposed to Mongolia, the differences between the US and Australian cultures are subtle but distinct. I recently came across a great example of these differences. Below is a list of the benefits offered by the Alice Springs Town Council to city employees. In italics is a description of the benefit for those of you that don’t speak Australian.

· 5 weeks Annual Leave – paid vacation · 17.5% Leave Loading – Not only do you have paid vacation but you are paid an additional 17.5% of your hourly or weekly rate because you don’t have the opportunity to work overtime while on vacation. · 20 days Personal Leave – paid sick days · 14 weeks paid Maternity Leave for Eligible Employees – Federal laws stipulates that after the paid leave mothers are eligible to take up to 2 years off without pay and be guaranteed their job back. · Rostered and Time in Lieu days off – comp. time · Flexible Working Arrangements · Family Friendly Policies · Salary Sacrifice opportunities – a concept similar to the U.S. medical savings account that allow you to pay for out of pocket medical expenses with pretax dollars – but the Aussie version lets you buy cloths and groceries as well. · Commitment to Learning and Development · Study Support, Study Leave and Assistance with Course Fees · Protective Clothing / Uniforms for Eligible Positions · Long Service Leave – Employees who remain with a particular employer for 10 years will receive two months paid leave. · up to 11% Superannuation – Superannuation is comparable to a 401K and they offer up to an 11% match. · Staff Social Activities · Relocation Assistance · help with other family relocation issues

It’s unheard of here for an employer to “buy back” vacation days. Tax rates are much higher here than in the U.S. but the Australians work to live and are willing to pay the price for their lifestyle unlike the Americans who live to work and all to often work themselves to death.