Business etiquette

Business relationships in Antwerp are like personal relationships: face-to-face interaction is essential. Luckily, interacting with other entrepreneurs in Antwerp is usually a very inspirational experience. People are very polite, as long as you approach them politely. Once there is a connection, it’s easy to make friends. And language is no barrier. Quite the opposite in fact! Everybody speaks English. Here are some basic rules of business etiquette.

Essential attitudes

Like in any country, there are essential attitudes and values that have important implications for business practice.

Corporate Social Responsibility

Attitudes to environmental issues have changed significantly in Belgium over the last 20 years, both in terms of public awareness and government intervention. Sustainability is on everybody’s agenda.

Greeting

When greeting a Belgian businessperson, a handshake is appropriate for both men and woman. Gender equality is the norm: men and women are treated equally in business and society.

Punctuality

Belgians are generally good timekeepers. Punctuality in business is usually regarded as a virtue. For social events, attitudes on the right time to arrive may vary depending on community and class.

Giving and receiving gifts

If you are offered a gift, open it right away and show your appreciation. A gift with a company logo, or with your business card attached, is acceptable in a business-to-business context. If you have the honour of being invited into a Belgian home, take a gift for the host: flowers, chocolates, a bottle of wine or a present from your home country. The rules on flowers are the same as for most other European countries. A handwritten thank you note the following day will also always be welcome.

Business dress code

It’s normal to wear a jacket, but younger high-tech companies may happily tolerate an open-neck shirt and jeans. While there are no specific rules around colour, it may be best to avoid looking too flashy. The quality of clothing is of only marginal

importance in a culture that shows relatively little class-consciousness. When in doubt about the dress code for a particular business event, it is advisable to be well-dressed rather than under-dressed.

Formal speech

Formal language should be used in business situations. It is important to be polite and respectful to your conversation partner. Address individuals in a business environment using appropriate titles, such as "Ms" or "Mr," followed by their surname.

Body language and politeness

Don’t gesticulate in an exaggerated manner during business conversations. Excessive movements can be viewed as distracting and disruptive. Respect other people's personal space and give them room to breathe. Otherwise, you might come across as pushy. It's important not to interrupt others during business conversations. Allow your conversation partner to finish speaking before responding or asking a question.

Dinner etiquette

During business dinners, be polite and wait for others to begin eating before you start. Use the appropriate cutlery. It is customary for the table to be cleared only after everyone has finished eating. Clearing the table too quickly may be seen as disrespectful and intrusive to those who have not yet finished.

Bribery and corruption

Under-the-table payments by potential suppliers to company buyers were not so unusual in the Belgian business scene as recently as 30 years ago. However, the practice has largely been stamped out since then. Bribing foreign officials is a criminal offence in Belgium.

Closing deals

Closing a deal? Celebrating a new contract? Consider inviting your business partners to a good restaurant. Antwerpians love good food and drink, so it’s not unusual to talk business or close deals over lunch or to host a dinner party for clients. But beware! Too much alcohol is frowned upon. Non-alcoholic beverages are widely available and completely socially accepted during business dinners.