A Colombian woman who moved to New Zealand three years ago has gone viral after sharing the workplace habits that continue to surprise her, with one observation standing out above all: people actually stop working at 5 pm.

Dani Castillo, who has been documenting her life in New Zealand on social media, said the country’s attitude towards work and personal time was dramatically different from what she experienced growing up in Colombia.

The 5 pm culture shock

According to Castillo, one of the biggest surprises was seeing colleagues genuinely disconnect when the workday ends.

“At 5 pm, people actually stop working,” she noted, explaining that employees leave the office, close their laptops and shift their attention to family, friends, hobbies and personal interests.

Unlike in many countries where employees feel pressured to stay late or remain available after office hours, Castillo said New Zealanders generally respect boundaries between work and personal life.

Working longer isn’t seen as success

Castillo explained that in Colombia, working extra hours is often viewed as proof of dedication and ambition. In contrast, New Zealand workplaces tend to focus more on results than the number of hours spent at a desk.

She observed that there is little competition over who stays latest at the office, creating a healthier and less stressful work environment.

Weekends are for life, not work

Another aspect that impressed her was the ability to enjoy weekends without constant work-related interruptions.

Castillo said employees can usually switch off completely once the week ends, allowing them to spend time with loved ones and recharge before returning to work.

A lesson in balance

Despite the emphasis on personal time, Castillo was surprised to find that productivity remained high. She believes New Zealand’s work culture demonstrates that professional success and personal well-being can coexist.

Her observations have sparked conversations online, with many people praising the philosophy of “working to live” rather than “living to work.”