France
France · Europe
Work Culture Guide · 2025
The 4-Day Work Week
in France
France's pioneering 35-hour legal workweek, generous leave policies, and a national 4-day week pilot make it one of Europe's most progressive countries for work-life balance.
At a Glance
France by the Numbers
Key statistics that paint a picture of working life in France, one of the most worker-friendly nations in the world.
National Pilot Programme
France's First 4-Day Week Pilot
In 2024, France launched its first national 4-day week pilot in partnership with Emlyon Business School and 4 Day Week Global. The initiative allowed 50 companies to trial a 32-hour week — with no reduction in pay.
"Building on France's established 35-hour law, the pilot showed that reducing hours further is not only possible — it's already working."
Timeline
Working Hours
A 35-Hour Week, by Law
Since 2000, France has legally capped the standard workweek at 35 hours — a full 5 hours less than many neighbouring countries. Overtime beyond this threshold must be compensated at a premium rate of 110%–150%.
The maximum legal limit is 44 hours per week and 10 hours per day, including overtime. In practice, the average French worker clocks just 30.1 hours — among the lowest in the OECD.
Source: OECD Statistics, 2023
Vacation & Leave Policy
Among Europe's Most Generous Leave Policies
French employees receive a minimum of 30 paid days off per year — plus 11 public holidays. The law also mandates several additional leave types to cover major life events.
Remote Work in France
Télétravail — France Goes Remote
Teleworking in France evolved rapidly — from a voluntary option pre-pandemic, to mandatory for 30% of the workforce during COVID-19, to a normalised hybrid arrangement today. Employers who deny remote work requests must provide written justification.
Work-Life Balance
OECD Better Life Index
France scores 8.9 out of 10 on the OECD Better Life Index for work-life balance — rated "Excellent". This reflects low average working hours, generous leave entitlements, and strong legal protections for workers.
Legislation
Legal Framework
France operates one of the most protective labour law frameworks in the world. The 35-hour workweek (Aubry law) remains statute, and while no specific 4-day week legislation has passed, the 2024 pilot signals growing political appetite for further reform.
Status: Moderate Government Support
A statutory 35-hour work week has been in place since 2000. A 50-company private-sector pilot ran in 2024–2025 with government awareness and backing from 4 Day Week Global.