Work culture in France 🇫🇷

It’s been 9 years I live and work in France and here are 5 things I learnt about French work culture:
First, dont oversell yourself at the interview. It’s not like in the US where you should show that you’re absolutely amazing, show that you still have things to learn and beware to not appear arrogant.

Second, feedback at work : it’s never too direct. Negative feedback would always be presented together with positive things, what’s they call a “sandwich method”. the positive feedback would never be like the American ‘oh fantastic! amazing!’ it’ll be more likely a “pas mal”.

Next, work life balance is REAL in France. and this is really great, from 5 to 9 weeks of holidays in some companies, not staying at work too late, and lunch, lunch is sacred, it can take two hours from 12 to 2pm every day. No sandwich at your desk unless it’s really a rush and it’s exceptional
it’s considered impolite to send work meeting invitations for the lunch time.

You’re always negotiating gross salary but keep in mind that social charges will be applied to it and then you will also pay your individual income tax, and did you mention taxes are HUGE in France?
salary increase is low if you stay in the same company, dont expect more than 5% annual increase and if you want more, you’ll need to change roles and companies

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