Communicating at work in France

The French person begins his day by greeting everyone he meets: Bonjour and a short handshake, and with close colleagues it may be la bise (a kiss on the cheek twice or more depending on the region) in some companies, and it is not compulsory and you can be content with a handshake or greeting.

• And on leaving Bonne journée, Bonne soirée or À demain.
• You address strangers, the manager and clients with vous, and with colleagues in modern companies and the young tu is common after acquaintance, and someone may ask On peut se tutoyer ?
• and you agree.
• Do not switch to tu without invitation since it may be considered rude.
• And use titles: Madame and Monsieur then the name, and professional titles (Docteur, Maître and Professeur) for the professions concerned.
• And in some foreign or tech companies the first name prevails.
• And observe how others speak and imitate them.

Email is written politely: a clear subject (objet), then a greeting Bonjour Madame Dupont or Bonjour Marie depending on the relationship, then an introduction, then the subject briefly in paragraphs, then a closing formula such as Cordialement, Bien cordialement or Bien à vous (and in more formal letters Veuillez agréer, Madame, l'expression de mes salutations distinguées), then your name and title.

• Attach files and refer to them.
• Re-read the message before sending.
• A reply within one working day is acceptable.
• Use cc with care to inform others.
• As for the phone you begin Bonjour, je suis… and introduce yourself and the reason for the call, and speak clearly, and end Merci, bonne journée.
• And do not call outside hours without necessity.
• And on Teams and Slack a lighter style is accepted.
• And the droit à la déconnexion protects your right not to reply to messages outside working hours.

Meetings (réunions) in France are a space for discussion and exchange of opinions, and may be long with objection and sharp debate without hostility, since the French value critical thinking and argument l'esprit critique.

• You are expected to express your opinion clearly and defend it with arguments, and you can object tactfully Je ne suis pas tout à fait d'accord, parce que….
• Not every meeting reaches an immediate decision, and the decision may be taken later by the manager, so ask for a summary by email.
• Meetings usually start on time or minutes after and stretch.
• Do not interrupt sharply and listen, and wait your turn except in lively debate.
• And in presentations a logical structure (plan) and analysis are valued.
• As for offices they respect the lunch hour (12 to 14) and a meeting may not be held during it. And rely on an agenda (ordre du jour) and minutes (compte rendu).

Hierarchy in French companies is relatively clear: the manager takes decisions, the role of each level is respected, and bypassing the hierarchy is less common.

• The manager gives direct feedback sometimes which may seem sharp, and the thing is said frankly: Ce n'est pas bien.
• Do not take it personally, and ask for examples and ways to improve.
• Praise is less common than in other cultures, and its absence does not mean dissatisfaction.
• And for a break a pause café in the morning with colleagues, and for lunch usually a full hour in a restaurant or canteen with tickets restaurant and a meal split into courses, and it is an important social time for building relationships.
• And you may be invited to a pot (a drink) on occasions (birthday, promotion), and you can join with a non-alcoholic drink without embarrassment.
• And CSE activities organise trips and birthday gifts.
• And vie privée, privacy, is respected so you are not asked about personal details.

In a disagreement speak to the person directly and calmly first, then to the manager or RH (human resources), and if needed to employee representatives (CSE) or the union or the médecin du travail (the occupational doctor) or the Inspection du travail.

• Formal complaints about harassment or discrimination are protected by law and handled confidentially.
• Keep a record of facts with dates.
• To adjust: learn your workplace's vocabulary, begin your morning by greeting everyone, speak French even if you err since effort is valued, take part in debate, have lunch with colleagues, avoid talking about religion and politics at first, present your ideas with arguments, and understand that secularism imposes neutrality in public jobs.
• And for Muslims leave times for festivals and prayer can be negotiated in the private sector, respecting the limits of secularism.
• And request a professional French course via the CPF.

How do you greet colleagues in the morning?