Understanding work culture in Casablanca
Working in Casablanca and Morocco, in general, can prove to be a culture shock for Europeans or Westerners. The expectations differ - ranging from behaviors to relationships between co-workers. Here is what you need to know about the local work environment before getting started.
The labor market in Casablanca
One of the key elements to understanding the difference is that work (if not first & foremost), unlike everywhere else, is just another way to earn money. Job satisfaction and commitment to one's job don't mean much in Morocco, and this is the case for many employees. Where does this reality come from? There are several reasons, and anyone in a position of responsibility (or with a salary that meets local standards without being a senior manager or an executive) experiences that situation.
Diplomas v/s unemployment in Casablanca
The Moroccan paradox is that the more qualified one is, the less likely they are to be employed. This belief found in the official unemployment statistics comes with subtle differences. In fact, people who have studied abroad enjoy higher recognition than those who have studied and graduated in Morocco.
Some higher education institutions in Casablanca allow you to create a network that provides interesting career opportunities, but these are rare and expensive; thus a natural selection precedes the entry. There is also the fact that Casablanca is an expensive and densely populated city where competition for low-skilled or best middle management positions is intense and salaries are low compared to the cost of living.
The corporate culture in Casablanca
The corporate culture is common in the subsidiaries of multinational or international companies. The Moroccan corporate culture is mainly based on the level of recognition obtained by the employee, including their appetite for risk relating (or with regards) to both change and remuneration. The behaviors of mercenaries, who are paid at the highest level, are therefore not uncommon. This is often the rule in some sectors.
The dress code in Casablanca
The dress code depends a lot on the profession and customer exposure. Proper clothing will be required for positions of responsibility, in service jobs, with contact with customers, much less for others. Moreover, many companies, particularly in the distribution sector, require the wearing of a kind of blouse using the company's colors.
Wearing a hijab (since Morocco is a country with a Muslim population of 96%) is seen as an obstacle to the recruitment of women in many cases, and this not only applies to subsidiaries but equally to foreign companies. For many recruiters or employers, the wearing of the veil is seen as a sign of archaism.
Avoid these clothes and accessories!
Sportswear: as most companies maintain strict rules regarding the clothing of their employees, one of which is that dressing neatly gives the impression that you take your job seriously, most firms ban sports clothes in the workplace.
Wrinkled clothing: many people think that heading for work in non-ironed clothes is not a big deal, not realizing that even expensive clothes can look shabby and improper if they are not ironed.
Too much jewelry: there are different tastes in jewelry, and some pieces may be convenient for parties and family gatherings, such as big and gypsy earrings, beads, etc., yet wearing this kind of jewelry is largely not permissible in the workplace.
Business contacts in Casablanca
Regarding relationships with co-workers, similar to relationships with Moroccans in general, it is important not to be offended by the time spent greeting, taking breaks, or working in a relaxed manner. For example, in Morocco, you have lots of time, and the pressure to achieve results is lower than in Europe. Being result-oriented is a perceptible asset, especially when your commitment level is the same. But it can also be a source of distant relationships with colleagues, if not a source of personal stress when other stakeholders do not follow that state of mind, which is often the case.
Occupational preventive measures for reducing the spread of the Coronavirus (Covid-19)
- Comply with the general instructions of official authorities;
- Abide by the hygiene and safety rules laid down in the company guidelines;
- Report any occurrence of disease symptoms when working overseas in accordance with the company's guidelines;
- Maintain personal hygiene and sanitation in your work environment;
- Follow standard preventive measures for any breathing symptoms such as coughing and sneezing;
- Avoid unnecessary contact with your co-workers during potential cases within the company and, in particular, hugs and handshakes.
