Hi everyone,

How are you? Have you noticed that sometimes in English speaking workplaces your foreign co-workers call their colleagues or boss by their first name? 

Generally in English speaking business environments the culture is more relaxed than in Japan. 

As you know, in Japan you call your boss by his or her title.

In my school where I work in Sydney, I call my boss by her first name, Judy. This is also common in the United States and the UK.

Today I'm going to talk about using first names in a business setting and when to use them!

First Meeting

In first meeting with a new business colleague or client we use their title and surname.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Ms Henessey."

"Nice to meet you, Mr Smith."

After the First Meeting

After that, even if they are your superior or your client, you can ask them how they want to be addressed .

"Do you mind if I call you Cindy?"

They will reply "No, not at all" or "Go ahead" "Sure" or "Of course" which mean the same thing.

Inviting Someone to Use Your First Name

If you want to make things more casual between a colleague or client and encourage them to use your first name, you can use these sentences:

"Please, call me Hiroko" 

"You can call me Hiroko" or after they say your title and surname, you can say

"Hiroko is fine" 

I hope this is useful to you at work! Why not try it next time?

Have a great day,

Zia

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