Beyond the Stereotypes: French Work Culture vs. Corporate America

I’m flying back to the US today after a couple of weeks in my birthplace in France, visiting family and friends.

I left France a quarter of a century ago, but I’ve returned regularly. My family and roots are there.

I spent almost ten years of my professional life in France in the eighties and nineties, and I’ve led multiple teams based in France ever since.

But with my increased immersion in Corporate America, I’ve increasingly felt fascinated with the French work culture.

I’m not talking about clichés like the 35-hour-week, the exceptional productivity, the generous vacation packages, the restaurant vouchers, or even the strong protections making it more difficult to dismiss employees.

That’s all true to a certain extent, very well-known and documented.

No, what I keep finding fascinating is some deeper cultural areas that make working in France unique.

Here are my top four work culture differences between France and the US. Just note that these don’t necessarily apply to all (small businesses, start-ups, and entrepreneurs enjoy their nuances).

1 – Real Complexity Induced by the French Labor Code

Coming from the US, exposure to the many layers of bureaucracy and what it takes to get things done in France can feel intimidating. There is a reason for this. French employment laws are particularly demanding, with more employee protection and legal constraints.

The French labor code (famous “Code du Travail”) that originated in 1910 has never ceased to grow since then. Employees in most mid-size and large companies have unions (syndicats). They also usually have a “comité d’entreprise” comprised of voted-in employees. Major decisions involve consultation with these players.

So, let’s say you want to change your accounting programs. These committees will scrutinize any such decision that impacts employees – even remotely. Inevitably, it adds time and complexity to get things done.

2 – A Stronger Sense of Hierarchy at All Ages

It all starts at school. The degree you’ll get is not only important for your initial success. It is crucial! A tremendous previous job experience won’t matter as much – at least not in the early years of your career.

Students from the “Grandes Ecoles” – the equivalent of the Ivy League – will enjoy the best jobs and career progression prospects.

That sense of hierarchy will likely follow you all your career as French workplaces tend to be more hierarchical than American offices. Expect to deliver your due reporting and count on your superior for decision-making and evaluations.

Also, while hybrid work has timidly emerged thanks to the pandemic, physical presence and open spaces still rule, with upper-level managers usually enjoying their individual offices.

3 – No Decision? Not a Problem!

Here’s another fascinating difference between French and American business meetings.

In France, it’s not unusual to have several consecutive meetings with no decision being made – other than deciding to have a new session!

It all starts from an early age. At school, Fench children learn to question and debate. Philosophy is revered as a critical discipline in high school. The thesis-antithesis-synthesis model and the associated debates carry well into adulthood and the workplace.

So don’t be surprised if many meetings feel more exploratory to gather further information, talking points, and items to carry forward to… the next meeting.

Eventually, a decision will be made and is often more strongly anchored than many decisions I’ve seen more spontaneously taken with our US team.

4 – Customer Is Not Often King

While Americans consider customer service sacred, I still have mixed experiences in France. Expect to get some pushback in a store with a front desk employee or at the office with your colleagues.

In France, most don’t feel as much pressure to “please” the customer. They might initially deny the facts and tell you the problem is your fault.

The good news is you can probe that “no” you often get as a reflexive first answer, like what happened to me yesterday in a bookstore in Paris.

I was looking for this past week’s edition of a magazine. First, the lady told me she didn’t have it anymore. We talked it through, and I realized she had them in the back store packed and ready to be returned to the editor. After a few more minutes of sweet talk, she happily opened the packages and sold me these old magazines.

I experienced excellent customer service despite the initial “no.”