Adapting to French Work Culture: An Expat's Journey

After relocating from England to France in 2017, Jodie Hughes faced significant adjustments to a new professional and social environment. The transition involved navigating complex etiquette, from social greetings to workplace norms. Key surprises included the cultural importance of mealtimes and the substantial difference in paid time off.

Despite initial challenges, the experience ultimately proved rewarding. The French approach to work-life balance, including legally protected leisure time, offered a new perspective on professional life. The following sections detail the specific cultural differences encountered during her eight-year stay.

Integrating into the French workplace presented immediate hurdles for Jodie Hughes. Starting a new role just three days after arriving in Paris meant a steep learning curve. One of the first challenges was mastering the nuances of the French language, specifically the distinction between the formal 'vous' and the informal 'tu'.

The rules governing which pronoun to use were described as nebulous at best, creating a minefield for a foreign recruit. Beyond language, she had to adapt to different social norms. A surprising custom was the expectation to greet everyone who enters an elevator and wish them a good day upon leaving. This practice, also common in medical waiting rooms, stood in stark contrast to the avoidance of eye contact and silence typical in England.

The French approach to food and dining in the office was a revelation. Mealtimes are sacred, and eating at one's desk is generally frowned upon. Instead, colleagues sit together around a table to savor their food. This cultural value is reflected in the lunch break, which is typically two hours long.

The quality of food available was also a pleasant surprise. Office cafeterias offered rotating menus featuring high-end dishes like duck and paella, desserts made by a professional pastry chef, and fresh bread from local bakers. These meals were heavily subsidized by the employer, often making them free. Furthermore, it is considered perfectly acceptable to have an alcoholic drink during the workday. Hughes noted being served more champagne in her first two months at the office than in her entire life prior, including at a colleague's going-away breakfast at 11:30 a.m.

Perhaps the most life-changing discovery was the French emphasis on work-life balance. The competitive culture of arriving early and leaving late, common in England, was completely absent. Instead, leisure time is fiercely protected, and employees have a legal right to disconnect from work-related communications outside of office hours.

When it came to vacation, the difference was staggering. Jodie Hughes was initially sure she had mistranslated her allowance upon learning she had over five weeks of annual leave in her first year, not including 11 public holidays. This was a significant increase from the maximum of four weeks she was entitled to in England. French law mandates that workers take at least two consecutive weeks of vacation, often during July and August, causing much of the country to grind to a halt for the summer.

Adapting to the starkly different workplace norms in France was a roller-coaster ride for Jodie Hughes. From navigating complex social etiquette to embracing long, food-focused lunches and generous vacation policies, the journey was filled with surprises. While some adjustments were challenging, the overall experience was overwhelmingly positive.

The shift in perspective on work-life balance proved to be one of the most incredible parts of relocating. Ultimately, the experience was as enjoyable as it was surprising, demonstrating the profound impact that cultural immersion can have on one's professional and personal life.