The first week in a new job feels like stepping into a Nollywood movie where everyone else has read the script except you. There you are, clutching your shiny offer letter and your best “I’m-ready-to-work” smile, only to discover that the real work isn’t just in the tasks on your desk but in decoding the silent rules no one tells you about.
In Nigeria and across many African workplaces, thriving isn’t just about smashing KPIs or meeting deadlines. It’s about understanding the unspoken codes that dictate everything from who speaks first in meetings to why everyone suddenly goes quiet when the boss walks in. It’s about knowing when to contribute to the “aso ebi” fund, when to stay out of the office gist, and when to laugh at a joke that isn’t funny.
Here’s the catch: these rules are rarely written anywhere. They’re not in the HR handbook. They don’t pop up in onboarding slides. But break them, and you’ll feel the consequences faster than you can say “query letter.”
In this blog, we’ll break down seven unwritten work cultures that can make or break your career and why mastering them matters more than you think.
Top 7 Unwritten Rules in the Workplace
1. Respect the Communication Hierarchy
In Nigeria, hierarchy is not just an organizational chart, it’s a lifestyle. You don’t jump from entry-level staff straight to sending “Dear Sir” emails to the MD unless you’re ready to explain yourself. Even if the CEO passes you in the corridor and says, “Feel free to reach out anytime,” take that with a pinch of salt. The polite translation is: “Go through your line manager.”
Beyond hierarchy, every workplace has its communication quirks. Some bosses are email purists, others prefer calls, and some are addicted to WhatsApp voice notes. Imagine drafting a two-page, grammatically perfect email, only for your oga to reply with, “Seen. Call me.” That’s how you learn the hard way. The key is to adapt quickly, observe what works, then copy and paste.
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2. Time Is Both Strict and Flexible. Learn the Balance
Time in African offices is a paradox. In some spaces like banks, consulting firms, or oil companies, lateness is practically a crime. Miss a 9:00 a.m. meeting, and you’ll be giving explanations like you’re in a police interrogation room.But move into government offices or certain NGOs, and you’ll find that “9:00 a.m.” really means “let’s aim for 10:15.”
Meetings may be scheduled at 2 p.m., but you’ll still be sipping tea at 3 before they start. The trick? Always arrive on time, but don’t be surprised when others don’t. It shows you’re reliable, yet flexible enough not to panic when “African time” makes an appearance.
3. Don’t Outshine Your Boss (At Least Not Publicly)
This one is delicate. In Africa, respect for authority is deep-rooted, and nothing bruises an oga’s ego like being shown up in front of others.
It’s great to be smart and full of ideas, but if you present them in a way that makes your boss look clueless, you’ll quickly find yourself sidelined. The smart move? Share your brilliance, but give credit upwards. For example: “Building on what Madam suggested, I think we could…” That way, you shine, but your boss shines brighter.
It’s not about shrinking yourself it’s about packaging your genius so it feels like teamwork, not rivalry.
4. Learn the Social Codes (Tea, Small Chops & Office Contributions)
In African workplaces, bonding often happens outside PowerPoint presentations. You’ll be invited to contribute for a colleague’s wedding aso ebi, birthday cake, baby shower, or even a Friday “pepper soup joint.”
Now, you don’t have to eat the meat pie or drink the Fanta, but at least contribute something. Constantly dodging these small but symbolic gestures can label you as anti-social. And once people decide you’re “not a team player,” your career growth silently stalls.
Participation isn’t about the food. It’s about showing you belong. A small contribution today could be the reason a colleague puts in a good word for you tomorrow.
5. Gossip Is Currency, Spend Wisely
Let’s be honest: gist is part of office life. From whispered updates about who’s getting promoted to rumors about the HR manager’s new car, gossip travels faster than office memos.But here’s the catch: what you say can (and will) be used against you. Overshare, and you risk being branded “talkative.” Stay too quiet, and people may see you as “proud” or “unfriendly.”
The survival trick is balance. Learn to nod, smile, and occasionally throw in a harmless “Ehen?” But never give out information that could boomerang. Remember, gist is like pepper, too much will burn you, too little, and you’ll seem bland.
6. Adapt to the Dress Culture (Beyond Official Dress Codes)
Every company may hand you a dress code policy, but the real dress culture is what your colleagues actually wear.
In Lagos tech start-ups, you’ll see sneakers, hoodies, and jeans. Walk into Abuja civil service offices, and you’ll find kaftans, suits, and gele on Fridays. Nairobi corporates? Polished blazers and formal shoes.
If you show up in agbada for a Monday meeting or wear ripped jeans in a government office, people won’t say anything but the silent judgment will be loud. The rule: observe first, blend later. You can still add your personal flair, but don’t let your wardrobe scream louder than your work.
7. Feedback Is Indirect — Learn to Read Between the Lines
Direct feedback is rare in African offices. Your boss will almost never say, “This report is terrible.” Instead, you’ll hear things like, “Hmm, let’s review this later” or “We can improve on this.” That’s your cue to fix it immediately.
Learning to decode these subtle messages is essential. “Not bad” may actually mean “try again.” And “Let’s revisit this next week” might mean “This is not good enough at all.”Equally, when giving feedback, don’t be blunt. Wrap your critique with respect. Say, “I like the way you structured this, maybe we can tighten up the last part,” rather than, “This is wrong.”
Mastering this art keeps relationships smooth and ensures you don’t misinterpret politeness for approval.
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Closing Notes from the Office Playbook
Thriving at work in Africa isn’t just about smashing KPIs, submitting reports before deadlines, or dazzling with PowerPoint slides. It’s about playing the unspoken game those silent codes that determine whether colleagues see you as “one of us” or “the outsider.” From respecting communication hierarchies to chipping in for office small chops, these hidden rules shape your reputation in ways your job description never will.
The sweet spot lies in blending competence with cultural awareness. Do your work well, yes, but also read the room, understand the vibe, and navigate these invisible expectations with grace. That’s how you avoid landmines while still keeping your authenticity intact.
Now over to you: have you ever learned an unwritten office rule the hard way? Maybe you skipped a birthday contribution, or maybe you outshone your boss without realizing it. Share your experience we’d love to hear your story.