In every culture, it is essential to know about the prevailing attitudes and values, as they may help decipher peoples’ ways of thinking and behaviour, which in turn helps in the development of good relationships. By understanding the attitudes and values of a society, it is possible to gain insights into their probable actions and reactions in different situations.
Slovenian business etiquette is said to be similar to that of the Germans and Austrians, in that they like hard work and do not mind working long hours.
Slovenian employees have similar problems to other western employees in terms of a poor work-life balance and lack of flexible working conditions or support for family responsibilities. Working long hours, having limited annual or parental leave, lacking flexible working hours or help with day-care for working mothers are common complaints. Indeed, the facilities available to Slovenian employees are far fewer compared to other member states of the European Union.
Nevertheless, in recent years, companies have begun to offer extra benefits to their employees, including flexible hours for working mothers, paternity leave, and study leave for work-related courses.
- http://destinia.com/guide/the-world/europe/slovenia/1-30004-30195/14/en
- http://www.worldwide-tax.com/slovenia/slnpractice.asp
- http://www.eurofound.eu.int/publications/htmlfiles/ef0627.htm
- http://www.eurofound.eu.int/areas/worklifebalance/index.htm
National holidays
The dates of public holidays in Slovenia include:
- 1st January – New Year
- 8th February – Slovenian Day of Culture
- Good Friday and Easter Monday – Easter falls on a different date in late March or early April each year.
- 27th April – Resistance Day
- 1st May – Labour Day
- 8th June – Pentecost
- 25th June – National Public Day – Independence Day
- 15th August – Day of the Assumption
- 17th August – Day of Slovenes in Prekmurje Incorporated into the Mother Nation
- 15th September – Restauration Day
- 31st October – Reformation Day
- 1st November – All Saints Day
- 23rd November – Rudolf maister Day
- 25th December – Christmas Day
- 26th December – Independence and Unity Day
In Slovenia, employees have the right to four weeks holiday a year. These holidays are normally divided between winter and summer. The younger generation prefer to go skiing for two weeks in February or March, while families with children will usually go to the seaside during July or August.
Working hours
The official working week in Slovenia follows the European standard of 40 hours, with 8 hours per day. However, many people work 10 hours a day in the private sector.
Working hours depend on the place of work, with large companies usually starting their work day at between 8am and 9am and allowing for a 30 minute lunch break. Unofficially, many people work until about 6 pm, even though their work day finishes at between 4.30pm and 5pm. In public institutions, the work day starts earlier than in the private sector, at between 7.30am and 8am and finishes after 8 hours.
Work culture
The work in Slovenia is subject of the legislation that is similar with other countries in Europe. Being open to the foreigners this permits their employment. At the same time they are very supportive with local work force so, don’t be offended if a Slovenian is preferred in stead of you to take a job. Slovenians are taking their jobs seriously and they are hard workers and professionals.
Health insurance
In July 2004, the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) replaced the former E111 form and is issued by the national health care providers in each EU member state. As a citizen of the European Union, you are entitled to the same free or subsidised healthcare services and emergency medical treatment as Slovenian citizens. However, this is not a replacement for private medical insurance and the EHIC does not cover treatment in private clinics, special medical treatment or repatriation.
Regular business hours for pharmacies are from 8am to 6pm on weekdays and only some designated pharmacies stay open 24 hours a day and on holidays.
The national emergency telephone number for the ambulance service, fire department and rescue teams is 112 and the number 113 is for the police.
- For more information: http://ehic.europa.eu