Secrets of Working in Canada🇨🇦 - What you Should Know about Working in Canada, Work Culture Canada

[@n.b.3521]

1) Multiculturalism & Code-Switching - My parents used to explain that it's more like a patchwork quilt here as opposed to a melting pot - lots of totally different squares not really mixing but intertwined together by a common border fabric. Basically, in your daily life you're going to constantly be changing patterns depending on which square you're in - there'll be your family square, your school square, your friends square, your work square, your same ethnicity square etc. Stuff like talk about the weather or hockey act like that border fabric. This goes way back - as the French, English, and Indigenous groups that originally formed "Canada" were sometimes referred to as "The Three Solitudes".

[@bilikisa.w2846]

One thing I’ve learnt from Canadian workplace is that “good customer service should be extended to your co-workers and not just the clients” because technically your co-workers are also clients to the workplace. If a workplace as a toxic work environment people would leave which in turn makes it hard for the company to find people to work for them. Good video overall 👏🏾👏🏾

[@TobiDerin]

Yes, I agree!! Thanks for sharing 💕

[@_HEREWEGO_]

I had the perfume experience in school with my classmate in Alberta. Keeping personal things personal is also a big one because they share everything with everyone. I'm an engineer and the only black person in my department and we use the radio most often, its either they don't understand me or I don't get them on the radio. All the same we work really well There was a time my colleague told me nicely i wasn't parking my car at the right spot. Had to read in between the lines to actually grab what he meant I always try to be nice and polite which has made them like me so i get away with every mistake. It is very normal not to relate to whatever they talk about because you didn't grow up in Canada. I try to ask lots of questions and they seem to love explaining it to me. I still don't get it after the explanation anyways. lol. i just pretend and be nodding in agreement.

[@TobiDerin]

Lmaoo 😭. YESSS, things are shared casually and it’s shocks me most times! Lol, I totally understand what you mean. Haha @ nodding in agreement, I’m with you on that one 😂😭. Thanks so much for sharing!!!! 🙏🏾 🙌🏾

[@tosinshonibare9910]

lmaoo. This has been me since getting here

[@histreasure3189]

Absolutely! Their idea of what should be kept confidential is way different from what we know back home. A general rule that will be helpful for most Nigerians coming over here is: "whatever personal information you don't want to be in the public domain at work or school, don't share with them"

[@_HEREWEGO_]

Sweet! That is the way to go honestly 😀@@tosinshonibare9910

[@_HEREWEGO_]

Totally!@@histreasure3189

[@tosinshonibare9910]

Canadian love small talk. I was standing at the window side and quietly looking at the snow during the recent snow storm in Ontario and this my apartment mate and who up on till this point I thought was cold toward blacks or foreigners. just walked up to me and started small talking about the weather along with his girlfriend. telling me how "it's funny cause it doesn't snow this much in Ontario and I'll probably think this is how it snows here". I was first shocked as to why he is talking to me. but it later changed my narrative of Canadians I realized some of them also don't want to make us uncomfortable as minority race. so maybe that's why they appear so distance at first. Then they later warm up to you. I also learned that we Nigerians, Ghanaians and Jamaicans talk fast and aggressive. I learnt that when I slow down they understand me better.

[@TobiDerin]

Yes! Yup, so we have to change our tone and speak slowly to avoid sounding aggressive. Thanks for sharing, Tosin! 😊

[@victor_anigbo]

@tosin shonibare Pls can you kindly drop your IG handle or any other social media handle so I could get to you .. would like to connect with you .. have plans of moving over soon Thanks man 😊

[@n.b.3521]

I'm Canadian and find your insight really interesting. Lots to breakdown, so I'll break these up across different comments.

[@leahm8258]

Perfume! Soft skills, cultural fit, code-switching! Many valuable points. Thanks.

[@TobiDerin]

Glad it was helpful! 💕 💕

[@n.b.3521]

6) Code-switching 2.0 - I think this is universal and not just something new immigrants to Canada face. My Acadian mother is a totally different person when she's in Ontario compared to when she's "back home" in Nova Scotia. And when I lived in Japan, all of us English teachers were from different cultures and races, but we had one way of acting when surrounded mainly by fellow English teachers and another when surrounded by mainly Japanese coworkers or friends. I've no doubt if we were in smaller groups again (e.g., if all the teachers from the UK were together) they'd have acted differently again.

[@elloco-q3h]

Keep it up Tobi. Looking good & always ontop of your game; always killing it; always gudlooking with those big eyes. We feel u gal.

[@n.b.3521]

7) Perfume - This relates to personal space and autonomy which are considered important here. If a smell or sound is impossible to keep out of other peoples' personal space, it's going to be frowned upon. Another example - one of the biggest pet peeves Torontonians express about other passengers on the TTC is when someone doesn't use headphones.

[@demperor8718]

Keep the good work I just got to keep watching your videos because I learn greatly form them This is definitely going to help me when I come to Canada 💟🇨🇦🇨🇦

[@TobiDerin]

Awesome, happy to hear..thank you! 😊

[@obiomaokeydicksonchimezie2336]

Nice job Tobi.

[@amyvirtuehost7448]

Nice one Tobi! The soft skill part is key! Your education and technical skills are just a bonus indeed!

[@TobiDerin]

Thank you 💕 Yes 💯

[@n.b.3521]

8) Relates back to #3, but not even limited to Canada. There's the old adage "never talk about God, religion, or politics" because these topics can provoke too strong reactions. Safer to talk about the weather or family or pets or sports. Heck, I know a LOT of people who hate sports (including hockey), but will talk about it with coworkers anyway, just to build rapport.

[@n.b.3521]

4) Soft skills - for good or bad there are lots of technically skilled, even over-educated, workers here so what sets you apart is your other skills. Also, if your knowledge is all in your head but you can't communicate it to your coworkers, they can't access it.

[@favoursparks]

let's pass the popcorn 🍿 while watching 😊

[@TobiDerin]

Yayy 🍿💃🏾💃🏾

[@wuraolamarthasoyoye409]

I learn greatly from your videos.... Please can you do a video on how a single mom of 2 can cope as a new immigrant. From accommodation to getting a job etc Thank you

[@TobiDerin]

Thanks for watching Wuraola ❤️❤️ I will try to do a video like this if I can get someone that’s willing to share how they coped. I’ll be on the look out and I know you’ll do well!

[@n.b.3521]

3) Indirectness - yeah, most Canadians don't really like confrontation. Saying "you did that wrong" invites the other person to say "No, I didn't and here's why..." which can just disintegrate into an argument. Better to just point out a mistake was made (without saying by who) and hope the person recognizes their own responsibility in making that mistake. Alternatively, there's the technique of praising desireable behaviour in one worker and hoping another worker nearby hears and decides they want praise too so copies the behaviour.

[@hayyuonimisi9127]

Another nice video. Code switching is really nice to do with the right person.

[@TobiDerin]

Yayy! 💃🏾 It’s nice to finally put a face to your name with your profile picture now! Yes, I get so excited when I have one right person to switch up with 😃

[@omoboladeosinowo6889]

Very nice video. Thanks Tobi!

[@TobiDerin]

Glad you liked it! 💕

[@Yourgirlbibi]

Me that always hit the like button before watching coz I know T ❣️ dishes out amazing contents!! Thanks for this video beautiful T ❣️

[@TobiDerin]

Thanks dear! ❤️❤️🥺

[@simoneC-i6r]

Hey Tobi! Thanks for the information 🌹

[@TobiDerin]

Thanks for watching ❤️ ❤️

[@Mariam-zh7ig]

Omdss! The perfume thing is sooo true, I thought it was just me it happened to lol

[@TobiDerin]

Lmaoo! so I'm not alone 😂

[@emmanuellaumoera8086]

Very informative 👏 👌 thanks as always.

[@TobiDerin]

So nice of you 💕 💕

[@calebojukwu]

Thanks for this registered in my subconscious mind.

[@TobiDerin]

You're welcome

[@pstjude]

Great video thanks

[@ChiGSpace]

Thank you so much for sharing 🙏

[@TobiDerin]

You are so welcome 💕

[@praiseokechukwu4021]

Nice one Tobi. 👍

[@TobiDerin]

Thanks for watching 😊 💕

[@TheDeliberateExpat]

Good content Tobi! I think the code-switching is just decorum. For me, it's the struggle of not getting our humor and sometimes not getting theirs.

[@TobiDerin]

Totally!!! It’s difficult to explain somethings in a different tone or way

[@n.b.3521]

5) Privacy/secrets - I think there are many things that might be considered shameful or embarrassing in other countries that are either not considered as anything of consequence here OR, are considered as helpful insight to explain why someone may not be acting as expected or why what seems like a negative behaviour should be forgiven/treated lightly for a while. Like, if it's not shameful why does it need to be secret? And if nothing is shameful (I mean, what would be considered shameful here?) then nothing is secret. 😂

[@Amamystry]

Hello. I like your point of view and Insight here. However, I wanted to add as well that somethings are just cultural and have different cultural significance not necessarily attached to shame or embarrassment. For example, typically, asking about a pregnant woman's EDD is intrusive to many or most Nigerians but I find most people in the West share it so easily, even without being asked sometimes.

[@n.b.3521]

@@Amamystry That's true. I think I've not explained completely enough. What I meant to was that a typical Canadian would not understand why something should be secret if it's not shameful or embarrassing. Pregnancy is an interesting exception in one way though - most Canadian women won't announce their pregnancy until they've at least passed the 3rd month as the risk of miscarriage drops then. In this case, they're keeping it "secret" because they either don't want to get other people's hopes up (such as the grandparents'), or they don't want to have to deal with the possibility of having to tell everyone they lost the baby. May I ask why Nigerian women don't like being asked about their due date?

[@nicolenyasha]

I think for sure Canadians cannot keep secrets 😅😅😅 if you dont want it known at work dont tell anyone, lol. I found the perfume thing strange when I first came but I've always worked with people who 'like things' so it never impacted me, id wear my entire bottle, now that I'm working for a bank Im working from home so it doesn't impact me either. These were great tips, a lot of people dont know this before they come.

[@_HEREWEGO_]

Saw your channel from here amd i must say you are really organized! Everyone should go check it out. Good content!

[@TobiDerin]

That's what I do! I don't share any personal information that I may not want other coworkers to know. Lucky you, after my first encounter I became very conscious about it, lol I don't want to wash perfume off my body outside again😂 Thanks for sharing!! 💕

[@gracemtemple7464]

Thanks dia am waiting for my contract in Saudi to end just ad I see how I can process thanks alot

[@TobiDerin]

Best of luck!

[@quoby]

Nice one

[@TobiDerin]

Thanks for watching

[@Adukeko]

Weldon for this wonderful message, Tobi how can I get help from Canadian bcs am working on my tourist visa to Canada, what I want is akomodasion ede Ibadan meiso. .Joo o help out

[@n.b.3521]

2) Work culture - see comment #1 but your coworkers are going to be concerned that you match the pattern of their particular square

[@chisomanene2247]

You know how Nigerians in general are so big on respecting your elders/seniors, calling them sir/ma'am at every point? I started working at Deloitte Nigeria a couple of months ago and till today I still find it hard to call my boss by his first name 😂😂. I'm so not used to it.

[@TobiDerin]

Haha, I was so shocked when I heard that people in international companies in Nigeria refer to their bosses by their first names. I know how you feel, I'm still not used to it!

[@inyosomisule5275]

In multinationals,its 1st name terms all the way.......

[@TobiDerin]

I was so shocked when I was told, I thought the Nigerian branches would be different. That's good because people coming from multinationals will find the work culture similar. Thaks for sharing 😊

[@inyosomisule5275]

@@TobiDerin Yeah. Multinationals operate with their international standards.They only adopt their host country's standard if the law demands it....like with regards to LGBT..... My present employer,Lafarge Africa plc is the second multinational i am working for.....the first was Unilever Nig. And you are right....a person who has worked for a multinational even in Naija can fit into the Canadian culture.

[@taiwoakande2163]

Nice video dear. My own advise… your co-worker is not friend, don’t stigmatize your LGBT co-worker’s sexual orientation, and forget those Yoruba/Nigerian (yes ma/yes sir) there’s no I’m not your age mate at workplace😂

[@inyosomisule5275]

Of course

[@TobiDerin]

Totally agree!! 💯 Thanks for sharing! 🙌

[@davidoluwanifemi3865]

Your content are always smart and grate . Pls can a ssce holder coming in as a tourist survive in there?

[@Heavenlycomedy]

Tobi.you so like me.we all things in common. Jesus loves both,greetings from Houston

[@ukagaadamma650]

Is there discrimination or issues against certain hairstyles like locs?

[@TobiDerin]

Not really, I have friends who have locs and work in professional settings.

[@gracemtemple7464]

My friend is A Nigerian in Nigeria, he would like to cm to Canada but no where to start is there agent in Nigeria who can help

[@TobiDerin]

There are registered immigration agents, he should only use agents under the RCIC list.

[@akosuaaboraa9970]

Hi

[@stephenowususerbeh]

That perfume situation might have been so embarrassing

[@TobiDerin]

It was 😭 especially when he told me to wash it off 😢

[@stephenowususerbeh]

@@TobiDerin lol

[@nebadark1524]

Dear I am also ready to travel there .can I talk with u privately please

[@TobiDerin]

Hi, I don't offer private services.

[@osiomogieasekome8799]

They are very trusting 😂 so they can tell you anything

[@TobiDerin]

For real!! 😂

[@thedoggedscientist]

My goodness! I am a perfume junkie! Goodness

[@TobiDerin]

Haha, just be conscious when going to a structured environment and you'll be fine 💕

[@festusrayon8343]

You look beautiful, Where are from in Nigeria

[@TobiDerin]

Thank you, I'm from Kwara state

[@Shaniquaxoxoxo]

@@TobiDerin hi Tobi, are you related to Taiwo and Kenny Adekeye? They are based in the states..

[@TobiDerin]

@@Shaniquaxoxoxo I’m not sure but my parents families don’t have twins..maybe distant 🤷🏾‍♀️

[@festusrayon8343]

@@TobiDerin ooh OK that's nice my beautiful sister I am from edo state, but I based in Belgium, by God grace 🙏

[@akinseyepaul9780]

Please my dearest Sister, are you from Ondo? Again can you kindly give me/us, some quick Job, when someone get to Canada, instead of seating at home. Finally, please are you engaged? Thanks. I like you.

[@kheneenyieko6561]

😂

[@kingsleyehiogu6791]

Please ma can i get your email