Understanding French Work Culture and Contracts

Work Culture Fundamentals

Hierarchy and Formality - Clear organizational structures - Titles and formality matter - "Vous" until invited otherwise - Respect for seniority - Chain of command important

Communication Style - Intellectual debate valued - Direct criticism normal - Long meetings with discussion - Email etiquette formal - Written confirmation expected

Work-Life Balance - 35-hour work week (theoretical) - Long lunch breaks common - August vacation sacred - Personal life private - After-work socializing limited

Types of Employment Contracts

CDI (Contrat à Durée Indéterminée) - Permanent contract - Maximum job security - Full benefits and protections - Difficult to terminate - Standard for career positions

CDD (Contrat à Durée Déterminée) - Fixed-term contract - Maximum 18 months usually - Can be renewed twice - 10% precarity bonus at end - Common for project work

Interim/Intérim - Temporary work via agency - Very short term - Higher hourly rates - Limited protections - Good for quick income

Stage (Internship) - 2-6 months typically - Minimum compensation required - Must be educational - Cannot replace employee - Pathway to permanent roles

Contrat de Professionnalisation - Work-study contract - Combines work and training - Lower salary authorized - Good for career changes - Company training benefits

Understanding Your Employment Package

Salary Structure - Brut (gross) vs Net (after tax) - 13th month common - Variable compensation possible - Salary reviews annual - Collective agreements matter

Mandatory Benefits - Social security coverage - 5 weeks paid vacation minimum - RTT (additional days off) - Sick leave protection - Maternity/paternity leave - Retirement contributions

Common Perks - Tickets Restaurant (meal vouchers) - Mutuelle (health insurance) - Transport reimbursement (50%) - Company car (cadres) - Téléphone/ordinateur - Formation (training) budget

Understanding Payslips French payslips are notoriously complex: - Gross salary (salaire brut) - Employee contributions (-23%) - Employer contributions (hidden) - Net before tax - Income tax withholding - Net after tax (what you receive)