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"Working non-stop becomes the universal challenge for both the young and the elderly"

Maintaining pension reform will further boost senior employment, while enhancing current integration methods for young workers is more effective than creating new strategies, suggests economist Alexandra Roulet.

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Senior employment will persist if pension reform remains in place, yet bolstering measures for...
Senior employment will persist if pension reform remains in place, yet bolstering measures for young people's integration is more beneficial via enhancing current systems instead of introducing new ones, suggests economist Alexandra Roulet.

"Working non-stop becomes the universal challenge for both the young and the elderly"

Revamping the Nitty-Gritty of Work: Quantity and Quality in Modern France

Traditionally, the discourse around work hours and work conditions was intertwined, reflecting the demanding nature of jobs that consumed much of workers' lives. Yet, in the present day, the narrative of striving for a better work life has taken a new turn. Although the question of improving work remains pertinent, concerns about workload no longer echo the struggles of the 19th and 20th centuries.

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The uproar over the 2024 pension reform may indicate that French workers are displeased with their jobs, as the conversation about work quality persists. It's evident that France has a high work accident rate and is renowned for rigid managerial practices.

In terms of work hours, however, the plight of the less educated is no longer one of working excessively but rather of often being excluded from the labor market. According to a note from the Council of Economic Analysis (CAE) on full employment published in 2024, the average working hours of the least educated have dropped by a staggering 40% in the past three decades, more than in similar countries. This shift is primarily due to high unemployment and inactivity rates among this demographic.

The Quest for Full Employment

The objective isn't to reduce work hours - the problem of yesteryears - but rather to provide employment opportunities for all. Moreover, numerous French employees, particularly women, are often restricted to part-time jobs, when they'd prefer otherwise. To tackle this challenge, efforts should be made to encourage more full-time work options.

The Goal of Full Employment is also supported by economic reasons. The average working hours in France are 100 fewer per capita per year compared to European neighbors, and a whopping 300 fewer than in the United States. This disparity yields fewer social contributions and tax revenues, leading to increased spending with well-known consequences.

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  • Employment Growth: Employment rates in France have been steadily climbing. By 2025, a predicted 0.1 million people would be employed, marking a 0.35% increase, with a projected 28.6 million people employed that year[5].
  • Industrial Diversity: Diversity among industries is crucial for regional employment growth. This mix fosters innovation and economic resilience, with policymakers advocating for a balance between established and emergent sectors[2].
  • Quality of Employment for Less-Qualified Workers: There isn't specific data on the employment quality for the least qualified workers. However, overall employment rate trends and sectoral opportunities are key factors shaping their working conditions.
  • Part-time Employment: Although sources did not provide insights into the trends of part-time employment in France, it's common among various groups, such as students and individuals seeking flexibility.
  • Work Accident Rate: Data on the current work accident rate in France is unavailable. However, efforts to improve work conditions and reduce accidents are a central focus in labor market strategies.

While there's a general upward trend in employment rates in France, more precise data is required to comprehensively examine trends for the least qualified workers, part-time employment, and the work accident rate. Economic turmoil, political instability, and slower global growth also pose challenges that may impact work conditions, particularly for vulnerable groups[3].

To address these challenges and promote growth, policymakers aim to foster a balance between innovation and stability to enhance work conditions across various industries[2].

  1. The ongoing debate about the 2024 pension reform suggests that many French workers might feel dissatisfied with their jobs, as they seem to be concerned about the quality of work.
  2. Despite a high work accident rate and traditional rigid managerial practices in France, the issue of excessive work hours is no longer as prominent as it once was, with the least educated workers having reduced working hours by over 40% in the past three decades.
  3. The quest for full employment in France is not focused solely on reducing work hours but rather on providing opportunities for all, addressing the issue of many French employees, particularly women, being limited to part-time work against their preference.
  4. To support the goal of full employment, economists advocate for more full-time job options, as the average working hours in France are 100 fewer per capita per year compared to European neighbors and a significant 300 fewer than in the United States.
  5. In an effort to address challenges in employment trends and work conditions in France, policymakers aim to find a balance between innovation and stability, focusing on improving work conditions across various industries and reducing accidents, while gathering more precise data to better understand the situation for vulnerable groups.

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