Madrid City Guide - Business Etiquette

Standard business hours are Monday to Friday 0900-1400 and 1600-1900, although 0800-1500 is quite common during summer. Larger companies and multinationals, however, are increasingly working through the day, in line with the rest of Europe, although smaller and local businesses still take the siesta (mid-afternoon break). Punctuality is not the norm; traffic jams are commonly used and readily accepted as an excuse for arriving 15 minutes late.

Breakfast meetings are popular, perhaps because these are usually accompanied by delicious cakes and strong coffee. Lunch and dinner appointments are also common. Business cards are vital at initial meetings and smart dress, including a suit (and tie for men), is advisable. Small talk is a vital accompaniment to any meeting, as personal relationships must be developed before business can be done. Children, grandchildren, the flight to Madrid and the weather usually occupy the conversation before business rears its ugly head. While Madrileños work extremely hard, nothing is of more importance than the family and it is entirely acceptable for an important telephone conversation to be postponed if a family member rings.