The Working Week in France: An Overview

If you’re considering expanding your team to France, you need to understand what the working week looks like. Navigating the French work week involves more than just knowing the hours. It also requires a grasp of the cultural norms, legal protections, and expectations that govern both in-office and remote work.

Understanding the country’s approach to work hours, time off, and employee rights is essential. France is well known for its strong emphasis on work-life balance. It has laws and cultural practices that prioritize employee well-being.

Let's cover the key aspects of the French work week, from standard hours and overtime to paid leave and national holidays. You’ll gain insights into unique aspects like the “right to disconnect” law and common practices around long weekends. Also, you’ll be able to understand the benefits available to support commuting and family time.

Understanding these elements will prepare you for your expansion to France. Then, you can use them to create a productive, compliant, and attractive work environment for your French employees.

What does France's work week look like?

In France, the official work week is 35 hours, a setup designed to encourage work-life balance. This standard applies to most full-time employees. Still, you may find variations in specific industries. You should know that going beyond this 35-hour threshold is possible. However, it requires compliance with overtime regulations.

Lunch break – paid or unpaid?

In France, employees typically take a lunch break lasting at least 30 minutes, though one to two hours is not uncommon. Lunch breaks are usually unpaid. However, many employers encourage these breaks to promote productivity and maintain morale.

Some companies offer additional benefits like subsidized lunches or meal vouchers. This is a good perk to offer, especially for employees without access to on-site cafeterias.

Overtime work in France

If employees work beyond the 35-hour standard, they are entitled to overtime pay. You should pay the first eight overtime hours at a rate of 25% above their regular wage, while hours beyond that are compensated at 50% extra. However, you must also adhere to a maximum overtime limit and record-keeping to track overtime compliance.

Part-time work in France

Many people in France work part-time, especially in sectors like retail, hospitality, and education. Part-time contracts allow for flexible schedules, with hours tailored to meet both the employee’s and the employer’s needs.

You must ensure part-time workers have the same access to certain benefits and legal protections. It includes benefits such as paid time off and social security contributions. French labor laws protect part-time workers as much as full-time employees.

Is there a maximum for working hours in France?

French labor law sets strict limits on working hours. Employees cannot work more than 10 hours a day or 48 hours in a single week. The law also mandates a rolling four-month average of no more than 44 hours per week. This helps protect employees from overwork and aligns with the country’s commitment to work-life balance.

Time off and breaks in France

In France, taking time off is not only encouraged but also embedded in the country’s labor laws and cultural norms. Employees are entitled to multiple types of time off. This includes daily rest periods, weekends, national holidays, and paid vacation. Here’s what you need to know to stay compliant and maintain positive employee relations.

Daily and Weekly Rest Periods

Employees must receive at least 11 consecutive hours of rest between shifts. Additionally, they are entitled to a minimum of 24 consecutive hours of rest each week, typically on Sundays. The “Sunday rest” rule ensures a full day of rest each week.

However, some businesses—like restaurants, healthcare, and hospitality—have exceptions allowing Sunday work. However, outside of these industries, Sunday work is culturally discouraged, and it’s legally protected as a rest day.

Paid Vacation

French employees receive at least five weeks (30 days) of paid vacation per year, calculated at 2.5 days per month worked. Unlike in some countries, these days, they don’t roll over year-to-year unless negotiated. You should encourage employees to use them within the same year.

Taking a month off in summer, especially in August, is common, with many businesses slowing down or even closing for part of the month. Understanding this cultural pattern can help you plan around reduced availability.

National Holidays

France has 11 national holidays each year, including:

• New Year’s Day (January 1)

• Easter Monday (date varies)

• Labor Day (May 1) – This is a mandatory paid holiday in France

• Victory in Europe Day (May 8)

• Ascension Day (date varies)

• Bastille Day (July 14)

• Assumption Day (August 15)

• All Saints’ Day (November 1)

• Armistice Day (November 11)

• Christmas Day (December 25)

Some regions also observe additional holidays, like Whit Monday (celebrated in Alsace and Moselle). These days provide employees with the chance to take time off without dipping into their paid vacation.

Additional Culturally Accepted Time Off

In addition to formal holidays, it’s common for employees to take extra time off around long weekends or “bridging” days. For example, if a national holiday falls on a Thursday, employees often take Friday off to create a four-day weekend. This is known as faire le pont, or “making the bridge.” While not required, many employers support this practice as it’s widely accepted in French work culture.

Right to Disconnect

France’s “right to disconnect” law protects employees’ time outside of work hours. If you have 50 or more employees, you are legally required to establish boundaries around communication after hours. This regulation aims to reduce burnout and promote a healthy work-life balance. It mandates that employers respect employees’ off-time, which can be tricky for global companies.

Workplace flexibility and remote work

Remote work has grown significantly in France, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic. While not mandatory, offering remote work options has become a way for employers to attract and retain talent.

If you choose to offer remote work, remember that employees working from home have the same rights as in-office staff. This includes breaks and overtime compensation.

Employee benefits and family leave

In addition to time off, French employees have access to robust family leave benefits. For instance, French labor law grants 16 weeks of maternity leave and 11 days of paternity leave (extended for multiple births). This focus on family-related leave reflects the country’s support for work-life balance. While it may be slightly inconvenient for you, it can positively impact employee morale and retention.

Public transportation subsidies

Employers in France must cover at least 75% of employees’ public transportation expenses for commuting. For those who bike to work, some employers offer biking allowances to support sustainable commuting. Subsidizing commute costs is not just a legal requirement—it’s also a valued benefit for employees.

How does France’s work week compare to other countries?

France’s 35-hour work week is one of the shortest globally, with most other countries maintaining a 40-hour standard. This structure is designed to encourage productivity and well-being.

The shorter workweek might seem challenging. However, many employers in France report higher productivity and increased employee satisfaction.

FAQ:

Is overtime mandatory in France?

No, but if employees work beyond 35 hours, overtime rates apply. Employers can manage schedules to avoid overtime or offer compensatory rest.

Do part-time employees have the same rights as full-time employees?

Yes, French law requires that part-time workers receive many of the same protections and benefits as full-time employees.

Are there exceptions to the 35-hour work week in France?

Yes, certain industries, like hospitality, health care, and transportation, may have specific regulations that allow for more flexible or extended hours.