What to wear
Israelis are very casual with corporate clothing. The country, in general, is very warm so you may also see executives dressing casually. For men, a short-sleeved shirt over casual pants is okay, however, avoid wearing jeans or torn designer trousers in the workplace. Women are not expected to be too formal in the office. Dresses that are not too revealing are accepted and wearing pants that are acceptable in the corporate are also okay. If you are expected to meet with someone, just make sure to bring a suit and a tie. Although suits and ties are not being worn in the country, just bring one if you are off to meet a client.

What to bring
Bring a business card if you are about to meet a client. Although giving business cards is not fully established as a custom in Israel, it is becoming common nowadays as a way of introducing yourself at the onset of your meetings. If you are about to meet a customer, it is customary to bring some gifts most especially during September when the Jewish New Year usually falls, which is considered as a gift-giving season. The most common gifts being given away are flowers and wine.

What to expect
Don’t get frustrated when your local counterpart is late. Meetings in Israel usually experience 10 to 15 minutes delays, and this doesn’t mean any disrespect. Still, arrive on time and be there when your counterpart arrives. It is also common for locals to take calls even during meetings, don’t be surprised and extend your understanding to a local counterpart. Expect businesses to run from Sunday to Thursday. Some international companies are open on weekends and there are totally no businesses on Saturday, which is their Shabbat day.

What you should know
Business culture in Israel is less hierarchical than expected. Employees are free to voice out their opinions in the office and are normally acceptable even to those in higher positions. Decisions are done collectively as a team and would usually be approved by an executive. When voicing out opinions, it is normally done in meetings and is not taken against the employee.

Female workers in Israel are treated as equals to men. Women can take positions in the government and even in the army, they may even work their way up to get higher positions. There is declining discrimination between males and females, and most cities don’t even notice any gaps between genders in terms of work opportunities and civic rights.

Women and men are entitled to paid absences in Israel. When it comes to corporate leaves, the following are applied in Israel: