A Russian woman working in Bengaluru for the past 12 years has gone viral after sharing her unique take on Indian office culture. In an Instagram post, Iuliia Aslamova—who calls herself “India’s bahu” in her bio—listed several workplace habits that are perfectly normal in India but might seem surprising to people abroad.
Iuliia recalled her early days in India when colleagues would ask if she had eaten breakfast or wanted tea or coffee. “It was a super sweet and welcoming restart to my professional journey,” she wrote.
Among her observations was the common practice of staying late at the office until the manager leaves. She also mentioned how late-night work calls and emails—sometimes as late as 11 PM—are treated as a normal part of professional life.
Long commutes were another point she highlighted, with many employees reportedly travelling up to two hours one way. She noted that Indians often avoid saying a direct “no” and instead find softer ways to respond.
Festival celebrations inside offices also stood out to her. “Hosting pujas and celebrating together makes so much sense since we spend most of our time with colleagues,” she said.
Iuliia also spoke about the strong sense of responsibility among young Indian professionals—many of whom support not just parents but extended family as well. She praised Indians for their financial discipline, adding that most people start saving and investing from their very first salary.
Looking back at her 12-year journey in India, she said that her colleagues eventually became family. “Team members truly turn into friends for a lifetime. I really got my new family through my journey of 12 years in India. All thanks to my work,” she concluded.
Iuliia Aslamova, who has over 24,000 Instagram followers, continues to share content on Indian culture and her life in Bengaluru.
