I worked on a project for a big Korean company that required me to work onsite with a team in Dusseldorf. I happened to be there over Easter weekend and the project was behind. I inquired as to when we would meet up to keep working, and they told me the office would be closed, so naturally I asked what coffee shop/cafe/space or whatever we'd work at instead.

The team there was shocked and maybe offended even, and I was informed it was verboten to work any of the next 3 days.

Differences in work cultures globally are staggering.

Kinda interesting how “going the extra mile” in the US is viewed as ineptitude in either planning or execution in Germany. Also how the phrase “this is unacceptable” is used very differently in the same places.

I can't speak to Germany, but in some places it's not legal to have you work over public holidays as the company would have to pay you extra plus giving you leave to make up for it. If they don't want to do that, you aren't allowed to work.

Everywhere I've lived and worked (only two countries, tbf), the idea of working on a holiday weekend is just ... not considered, outside of being on call and getting paid extra for it or similar.

Would you be equally shocked if this was Thanksgiving in the US or Chinese New Year in China?

In my experience it really depends on the individual, team, and company just how strict people are with not working unscheduled overtime on national holidays to crunch a release or not.

But assuming that it will happen, that's a first for me.

I’d say that’s a company culture thing, not a German thing. I lived and worked in Austria and my teams in Austria and Germany were both willing to work extra and on holidays when needed.

That's definitely uncommon in Europe to work on weekends/holidays/vacation. It's quite frowned upon, and for good reason IMO. Work life balance is important, and there's other stuff to do in life than work.

It's not even really a culture thing it's a "the earth isn't flat so we're awake at different times" thing.