What Employee Benefits Do You Get When You Work In France?
Are you considering relocating to France or perhaps you have started your job search? France is well known for its generous employee benefits and robust labour laws. Whether you are planning a job search or interviewing it is important that you understand your options and what benefits you can get when working on a French contract.
In this blog, you will find an overview of the key benefits that all employees can expect.
The French government guarantees certain benefits included in an employment contract. Read more about them here, in this article from L&E Global.
Health insurance (healthcare coverage is universal in France), pension plans (a basic state pension plan and complementary pension schemes – *referred to as retirement plans in the US) as well as life insurance and both short-term and long-term disability coverage.
You will also receive unemployment benefits if you lose your job, paid time off (at least five weeks of holidays per year), sick leave (the specifics of sick leave can vary but the system as a whole offers good security for employees during illness), and maternity and paternity leave (usually 16 weeks for mothers and 25 consecutive days for fathers).
Many French businesses provide extra benefits in addition to those required by the government to attract and retain top talent. These company-provided benefits go a long way in enhancing employee satisfaction, promoting a healthy work-life balance, and fostering a positive work environment. Here are some common employee benefits you can expect to receive in France:
1. 13th Month Pay
One popular benefit is the 13th month salary. Employees receive this extra monthly wage as a bonus, typically in December. It offers an additional income boost, which is particularly helpful around the holidays.
One popular benefit is the 13th month salary. Employees receive this extra monthly wage as a bonus, typically in December. It offers an additional income boost, which is particularly helpful around the holidays.
2. Meal Vouchers
Many employers offer meal vouchers to their employees however, the amount of the voucher depends on the company’s policy. These vouchers, known as “tickets restaurant,” can be used at restaurants, supermarkets, and bakeries. They help offset the cost of lunch and are partly subsidized by employers.
Many employers offer meal vouchers to their employees however, the amount of the voucher depends on the company’s policy. These vouchers, known as “tickets restaurant,” can be used at restaurants, supermarkets, and bakeries. They help offset the cost of lunch and are partly subsidized by employers.
3. Commuting Assistance
Some companies offer subsidies for public transportation costs. This perk lowers the cost of the daily commute by assisting employees in managing their travel expenses to and from work. Companies frequently cover 50% of your transportation expenses, such as monthly or annual travel passes for public transportation.
Some companies offer subsidies for public transportation costs. This perk lowers the cost of the daily commute by assisting employees in managing their travel expenses to and from work. Companies frequently cover 50% of your transportation expenses, such as monthly or annual travel passes for public transportation.
France is renowned for its highly protective labor laws, meaning employees benefit from robust job security, comprehensive healthcare and other benefits listed above. These contribute significantly to job satisfaction and overall well-being, making France an attractive place to work.
The Allora team is here to assist you throughout your job search, interviews, offers and relocations whether you’re an expat arriving from your home country, living in France or considering your options for your future life in France.
I am French and after living in cities such as London, Hong Kong and Bangkok, I have now relocated back to France.
As an Allora Specialist, I advise our clients on relocation, career strategy and interview preparation sharing my expertise with the French market both personally and as a recruiter and talent acquisition professional.
Book your free session with our team and take the first step to your new life in France!
Rachel Meda
Rachel has lived and worked in the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Thailand and Paris, France while hiring global talent for Sales, Commercial, Finance, HR and other corporate positions at all levels of seniority.across the markets of Europe, Dubai, APAC, South America and South Africa. She speaks fluent French and English and specializes in expat careers, and relocation job searches.
