Gesture & etiquette

Pause at your desk or at the door, bow slightly (about 15 degrees) to the room in general, and deliver the phrase clearly enough to be heard. Do not shout across the office — a clear, audible tone is appropriate. Bag packed and coat on before saying this — it shows you are genuinely ready to leave, not lingering.

In Japanese workplace culture, leaving before your colleagues — especially superiors — requires an apology ('osaki ni shitsurei'). This acknowledges that group harmony matters and your departure may be noticed. 'Otsukaresama deshita' validates everyone's shared effort and is a uniquely Japanese way of ending the workday together.