What does checking your cell phone in a meeting say about you? In this episode of Small Talk / שיחה בקטנה, Sam and Orit unpack office culture in Israel and North America through workplace expectations, multitasking, and cell phones in meetings. A fresh look at how everyday office habits can mean very different things across cultures.

Key Expressions & Vocabulary

• Rightfully so – justifiably; with good reason. | בצדק / מוצדק
• Make allowances for (someone/something) – to take special circumstances into consideration. | להתחשב ב־ / להתחשב במצב מיוחד
• Scope of responsibility – the range of duties included in a job or role. | תחום האחריות
• Taken aback – surprised or shocked by something unexpected. | מופתע / נבהל ממשהו לא צפוי
• לכבות שריפות — Put out fires: deal with urgent problems as they come up
• לקחת אחריות / ראש גדול — Take ownership: show initiative and responsibility
• ראש קטן — Not take ownership / do the bare minimum: do only what is required, without extra initiative
• מה מצפים ממני — What is expected of me: what I am supposed to do in my role
• צץ רץ — Pull-out paper towels: paper towels you pull from a dispenser