Working in France: Understanding Workplace Etiquette
In the professional world in France, there are plenty of codes and behaviors that may seem a bit mysterious if you’re not accustomed to the work culture here. Understanding these cultural differences can truly help you integrate well. Here are some important things to know:
1.Be polite and respectful: Here, saying hello in the morning and goodbye when leaving is important. Also, show respect to your colleagues by avoiding being too familiar or impolite.
2.Be punctual: Being on time is very important. If you’re late to a meeting or appointment, it can give a bad impression and harm your professional image.
3.Respect hierarchy: Hierarchy matters a lot in France. You should respect levels of responsibility and address people based on their position in the company. Whether to use formal or informal language depends on the company, but it’s usually best to start by addressing people with formal language.
4.Manage your relationships: Of course, you can make friends at work, but you still need to maintain a certain level of professional distance. Personal conversations are fine, but don’t forget that you’re there to work.
5.Understand indirect communication: French people tend to be indirect when communicating at work. This means they may say things in a not-so-direct manner. Pay attention to the context to understand what’s being said.
6.Use formal language: In France, “vous” (formal “you”) is often used to address colleagues, especially if you’re new to a company or speaking to someone higher up in the hierarchy. For example, instead of saying “Tu peux m’aider ?”, you would instead say “Pouvez-vous m’aider ?”.
7.Watch your body language: French people pay attention to body language. Avoid crossing your arms or putting your hands in your pockets when talking to someone, as it can be perceived as a sign of disinterest or disrespect.
8.”La bise” at work: “La bise” is a common form of greeting in France, involving a kiss on the cheeks, usually without actually kissing. At work, “la bise” can be a way to greet colleagues, especially in relaxed and informal environments. However, it’s important to note that the practice of “la bise” at work can vary from one company to another and even from one region to another in France. In some professional settings, especially in more formal environments or large companies, the handshake remains the norm for professional greetings.
9.Lunch break and coffee break: In France, the lunch break is often considered a sacred time. It usually lasts between one hour and an hour and a half and typically occurs around noon. During this break, employees leave their workplace to go to a café, restaurant, or simply have lunch in an on-site dining area. The coffee break is very important too ! It can take place at different times of the day, usually in the morning and afternoon. During the coffee break, employees often meet around a coffee machine or in a coffee corner set up in the company to have a hot drink and briefly chat with their colleagues.
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