The Swiss appreciate sobriety, thrift, tolerance, punctuality and a sense of responsibility, and this is reflected in their business practices, which tend to be formal and conservative. The culture within a Swiss company can vary according to whether the company is in the French, German or Italian region of Switzerland. As a rule, the hierarchy tends to be vertical, with decisions being made at the top of the company. Companies in French and Italian areas may be more laid back than German areas. Meetings are task-orientated and rather impersonal; discussions are precise, cautious and can seem a little negative to some. The Swiss are considered tough but fair negotiators and humour has no place in negotiations. Keep your business and personal life separate: the Swiss don’t like to mix business with pleasure. Working hours are long: some 45 to 50 hours a week.