France’s mental health landscape: A European comparison
Employee mental well-being is increasingly becoming a priority for companies across Europe, and France is no exception. With growing awareness and a deeper understanding of mental health, French companies are focusing on how to support their employees better. But how does France address employee well-being compared to the rest of Europe?
Our research delves into the key trends shaping workplace well-being in France, providing actionable insights for employers to create healthier, more productive environments. Let’s explore the data across mental well-being, work-life balance, diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB), as well as personal and professional development.
👉 Dive deeper with exclusive insights by downloading our free whitepaper, ‘Mapping the Impact.’
Key well-being categories impacting French workplaces
Our analysis focuses on four essential categories that significantly impact employee well-being and workplace culture:
- Mental well-being: Anxiety, depression, stress
- Work-life balance: Family responsibilities, maternity/paternity, sleep
- DEIB: LGBTQA+ inclusion, disability, sexuality
- Personal & professional development: Career growth, skills enhancement
These categories highlight the critical areas where employers can make a meaningful difference in improving workplace well-being and fostering employee engagement.
European snapshot: Key well-being trends
- Mental well-being (38%)
Mental well-being remains the most significant concern across Europe, with 38% of employees prioritizing mental health. Around 10% of Europeans experience mental health challenges like anxiety and depression, making it vital for companies to implement robust mental health programs. - Work-life balance (22%)
Balancing personal and professional life is a challenge across Europe, with 22% of employees seeking better work-life integration. Flexible work options and supportive policies are key to improving this balance. - Personal & professional development (24%)
Continuous learning and career progression are crucial for job satisfaction, with 24% of Europeans prioritizing personal and professional development. - DEIB (15%)
Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are becoming increasingly important, with 15% of employees emphasizing the need for more inclusive workplaces across Europe.
How does France compare? A closer look at key trends
Let’s explore how France stacks up against the European averages and uncover what employers can do to meet the evolving needs of their workforce.
Mental well-being: 45% (France) vs. 38% (Europe)
France reports a notably higher demand for mental well-being support, with 45% of employees seeking help—significantly above the European average of 38%. This can be attributed to the growing awareness and reduced stigma around mental health in France, encouraging more people to seek help. A 2021 survey by INSEE found that 16% of people aged 15-75 experienced anxiety disorders in the past year, further emphasizing the need for mental health support.
Implications for employers:
French companies should prioritize mental health by providing employees with access to mental health resources, therapy, and well-being programs like those offered by ifeel. By addressing these rising needs, employers can reduce absenteeism, increase employee satisfaction, and ultimately boost productivity.
Work-life balance: 22% (France) vs. 22% (Europe)
Work-life balance remains a significant concern in France, though the demand (22%) is consistent with the broader European trend. While not the top issue, it’s clear that French employees still value a balance between their professional and personal lives.
Implications for employers:
To support work-life balance, French companies should offer flexible working arrangements, such as remote work options and adaptable hours. Promoting a healthy balance between work and personal life will help reduce stress and enhance employee well-being.
Personal & professional development: 22% (France) vs. 24% (Europe)
France’s demand for personal and professional development is slightly lower than the European average, with 22% of employees seeking opportunities for career growth. This suggests that while development remains important, French employees may prioritize mental well-being over career advancement at the moment.
Implications for employers:
Employers should continue to offer professional development programs, such as mentorship, training, and career advancement opportunities. These initiatives can help keep employees engaged and prepared for future challenges, even if the immediate focus may be on mental well-being.
DEIB: Lower than the European average
Compared to countries like Italy, France reports a lower demand for DEIB initiatives. This may indicate that inclusivity and diversity are already being addressed to some extent in French workplaces or that there is less perceived urgency around these issues.
Implications for employers:
Even though demand for DEIB in France may be lower, fostering an inclusive workplace culture is still essential. Promoting diversity and equity through inclusive hiring practices, diversity training, and creating a sense of belonging will strengthen the workplace culture and improve employee satisfaction.
European leaders in mental well-being solutions for large organisations
The data indicates that mental well-being is the most pressing concern for employees in France, with a significantly higher demand than the European average. This suggests French companies should implement mental health initiatives and promote a culture of openness around mental health discussions.
To gain a deeper understanding of the mental health landscape in Europe, download the full report here.
Investing in employee well-being is not just a matter of compliance or corporate social responsibility; it is a strategic decision that can help companies thrive in an increasingly competitive and globalised market.
To assist in this process, our team of psychologists specialising in mental well-being has developed a mental well-being solution for large organisations aimed at helping companies enhance employee engagement and boost productivity.
This collaboration allows HR managers to receive personalised, data-based advice on the most effective measures for detecting employee mental health issues and assessing the workplace climate. It’s the best way to understand their needs.
We hope you found this article on key mental well-being trends in France interesting. If you want more information about our mental well-being solution for companies, simply request it, and we will contact your team soon.
