France confronts workplace stress and gender bias in telework

In France, the prevalence of work‑related mental health problems remains high, with estimates of 200,000 to 500,000 cases of stress‑related disorders. A 2018 proposal to recognise burnout as an occupational disease was rejected, and a 2010 INSEE/DARES survey found that 68 % of active workers reported chronic health issues, highlighting the economic cost of absenteeism and turnover.

Following the expansion of remote work after the Covid‑19 pandemic, new research indicates that telework can hinder career advancement, particularly for women. Experts note that women who work from home are often perceived as fulfilling caregiving duties, whereas men are seen as autonomous, leading to fewer informal networking opportunities and reduced visibility for promotions. This gendered perception mirrors long‑standing biases associated with part‑time work.