As in many other places in the world, today Italy is experiencing a challenging time with regard to work and jobs. The economic downturn that has touched so many has caused problems in Italy as well. When discussing job situation in Italy it is also important to remember that it is a complex one and not homogeneous throughout the country.
In Italy, just as in the United States, quite a diverse set of tools can be used when looking for a job . While different natures and strategies, these days such tools have a common link: the internet. The internet has become an invaluable tool when job searching: along with online job postings, one can also go through newspapers, employment exchanges, information centers, employment agencies and the Chamber of Commerce.
It is impossible to generalize and pinpoint the standard timetable of a typical Italian working day, as it usually depends on which job one has, the company one works for and, at times, their sector of expertise. Nevertheless, the average workday usually lasts 8 hours, although some go to work earlier than others and some finish later.
Doing business in Italy: some cultural conventions to know
Cultural factors and influences play a key role even when it comes to talking about doing business. We know that Americans take very much into account the cultural context they work within, while it is not exactly the same for Italians, who believe culture doesn't influence a successful business result. Perhaps they are sometimes too influenced by their habits and customs in their business decisions.
There are not many Italian multinationals and the ones there are tend to operate quietly and away from the spotlight, mainly because they want to concentrate on the core of their business rather than the cultural misunderstandings and complications that acquisitions and takeovers might lead to. Luxottica is a perfect example of that, a very well run company that has become the world leader in the eyeglass universe.
As the worldwide economic crisis continues to spread and governments try hard to put a stop to it, new opportunities arise that were unthinkable just a few years ago. In the car industry, Fiat's actions are not only historical but unique in nature, strategy, and implementation.
The way the banking system functions in today's environment is a process that most people do not really seem to be aware of. Banks can put our lives in serious danger and what is happening in these years will have an effect on the next 30-50 years. Italy, like other nations, was heavily affected by the worldwide economic crisis, but what is different about the Italian banking system is that, with the exception of Unicredit, Italian banks seem to be much stronger than their international counterparts. Indeed, the investments of the Italian banks turned out to be more conservative and safer than originally thought.
While technology is rife in Italy in many ways communication remains an old fashioned business. Sure there are text messages and companies are increasingly using Voip and Skype, but by and large Italian companies do not employ as much technology as other countries due to a certain kind of psychological block favoring phones and faxes. If you're from a country where companies routinely reply to email promptly you will be in for a surprise when dealing with a lot of Italian firms.
Doing business in Italy can be a complicated matter. Italian bureaucracy is notorious for its convoluted Byzantinisms, and many things are not self-evident. At the least you'll have more than plenty of documents to compile, taxes to pay, and offices to visit, and that's even before starting your activity. Once you are up and running you have to deal with the typical Italian way of conducting business, which means you need to know business dinner etiquette, the proper attire protocol, and the many unwritten rules in order to strike a good impression.
Benetton is a widely worldwide recognized name, a brand that can be found in any side of the globe. Definitely a great achievement for a company that started its operations just outside of Treviso, Veneto, in the North East of Italy. Benetton initiated its ventures in the clothing business, introducing a good quality and fine line of wearing for the whole family and with its simplicity the brand truly conquered the attention of millions.
It was the mid-80's when McDonald's opened its first restaurant in Rome, taking the spot of a very prestigious bar right off the Spanish Steps, across from the Spanish Embassy and right next to Valentino's headquarters. It was a drastic move. While McDonald's had ample experience moving into new markets Italy was especially difficult. The demanding clientele and quality of ingredients usually used within the country made a lot of fast food unpopular. Despite these issues, as well as Italy's own burger chain, Burghy, McDonald's decided to open a franchise in Rome, just off the Spanish Steps.
Alitalia is the number one air carrier in Italy and one of the most recognizable airline brands in history, both domestically and internationally. Originally state owned, the airline turned private after some major financial turmoil, which saw the restructuring of the entire company as well as the creation of a new brand identity, although the same logo and colors were maintained. Since the beginning of Italian aviation history Alitalia has been the pride of the country, an international symbol of a nation that wanted to put War World II behind it and focus on an economy that was booming; giving new hope and providing new opportunities.
Italy is among the top 8 economies in the world and although its companies are usually small sized in comparison with other industrialized countries, there is still a lot or room for foreigners to come and work in the "Bel Paese". Rome and Milan are the biggest cities and clearly attract more working force and while Rome is usually a political crowd, Milan is more industrial when it comes to international jobs. Of course, we are talking about white-collar high-end salary jobs, as for foreigners in the broader sense, intended as immigrants, the scenario is totally different.
Currencies are always changing, fluctuating and being replaced every few decades or centuries. It's in their nature, therefore counting on their perpetual enduring power is not only wrong, but also very dangerous. Currently were are living in times of major change and upheaval when the world's two most used currencies are facing turmoil that will shape the way goods are exchanged going forward. The US dollar has been lower than the Euro for almost a decade now, although at the beginning it seemed to be destined to be higher.
Barilla is the number one brand recognized in Italy and the 49th most recognized label in the world, an indicator that the company has moved a long way from its local origins and became a food empire that includes all kinds of products. Most of its fame, however, comes from its great pasta and pasta sauce. Barilla, although almost 100 years old at the time, really only took off in the 1980's with a very strong advertising campaign which captivated the attention and the heart of the Italians.
The biggest crisis of the 21st century overall is, without doubt, the increase of credit card spending and out of control outrageous mortgages, which have led to a financial crisis of epic proportions. Italy has a different situation when it comes to financial and economic woes and, although highly affected by the crisis, it followed a completely different financial pattern. Italians are indeed much less in debt than other citizens of similar economies.
Since its full implementation in the early 1990s the Internet fascinated the Italian people at a private level, but it didn't quickly develop into a full-scale grand e-business. Many cultural and legal issues probably are behind this lack of modernization, but things are changing. When it comes to services and overall information Italy is finally providing great content; RAI indeed has probably one of the best portals in the world.
Overall, Italy is a tough market. Plenty of money exists, but distribution chains and competition are different than in the U.S., not for lack of organization, but over protection of the local brands. In fact, the system is difficult for Italians themselves - indeed many Italian companies make more money abroad than in Italy itself. Even Fiat chairman Marchionne, in a recent TV interview, admitted that his company sells more in the international market than in Italy.
