Did you know...? Cyprus is one of the three countries in Europe to drive on the left.
It is common to greet each other by a firm handshake, a smile, and with eye contact. Small talk is considered to be important for the first meetings. It should be superficial and can include topics such as the weather, Cypriot food, etc. It is polite to address each other by personal title and surnames.
Although punctuality is important at work, it is possible that your Cypriot colleagues are running late. You should keep in mind that being on time will leave a good impression on you as a reliable and independent trainee. The communication is honest and straight forward. If you suggest any changes or want to talk about problems, you should be aware that talks sometimes are easily interrupted by more important tasks. Also, if you want to suggest something, you should keep in mind that many Cypriots often do not accept the first attempts and want to be convinced that they are making the right decision.
Due to the heat over the summer months, many Cypriot companies are having a long lunch break over noon. As a result, banks, offices etc. can be closed between 1pm and 2pm, depending on the company. That also means that the workday might take longer than in your home country. In any case, you should inform yourself about the situation in your company.