Hiring international employees has the potential to create some misunderstandings as there are often differing cultures and expectations. This ranges from communication styles, working hour expectations, and ultimately understanding that no gestures can be universally practiced in workplaces. However, by educating ourselves on these common business practices business relationships can flourish, and alleviate any potential tensions that contrast in culture may bring.
It is also critical to understand that legislation may also differ between the countries, such as laws around social security and termination of employment. Knowing these differences before engaging in business relations will help avoid any surprises between yourself and your new international employee.
There are notable differences between the US and France in both culture and employment regulations. This article encompasses the key differences that a US employer should expect before and during the process of hiring French employees.
Here is a resource from the French government for overseas companies looking to hire in France, which we recommend reading in conjunction with this guide.
Hiring a Remote Worker in France
Working Style
The official language is French, though the population learns English from a young age and many workers, particularly younger generations, will have working proficiency in English. It is, however, a sign of respect to show an attempt to speak the language. This doesn’t mean French employees will expect their US employer to know the language, however, an apology for not being able to speak the language and making a genuine attempt at it will place the US employer in a positive light.
Though both countries share the same working days during the week, the French population are particularly opposed to their work seeping into the weekends. This is evident in their enactment of a legal “right to disconnect” from work emails during weekends and outside of working hours. Though this may not apply to all US employers as this legislation only applies to companies with more than 50 people, it is still an indication of France’s emphasis on a work-life balance. Therefore, US employers should not become too frustrated if their French employee isn’t showing the same 24/7 style working ethic that is common among US workers, as it is primarily due to the working culture of France as a whole.
The work-life balance in France is stronger than the US, with an estimated 68% (16.4) of an employee’s day devoted to personal and leisure time on average. In comparison, the US enjoys 60%, or 14.4 hours away from activities away from work. Additionally, employers should expect many employees to take vacation around July and August (European Summer); therefore, a slow month is not unusual.
It is also less common to ask fellow employees about their personal lives, such as an employee’s children or social plans, as it is in the US. Though it is still possible to form friendships with colleagues, it usually takes a little bit longer than it does with US colleagues and French workers overall are more private during office hours.
What is the time difference to East Coast USA? West Coast USA?
For the East Coast, France is six hours ahead. For the West, France is 9 hours ahead.
How is this commonly dealt with?
Working hours overlap more on the East Coast with France. The morning of the East Coast will overlap with France’s afternoon working hours. It is important for US employers to utilize this time to communicate with their French employees as employees will not feel a responsibility to respond to emails once the working day is over...read more
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