French firms urged to tackle mental health and rising absenteeism

Occupational health experts highlight the growing importance of mental well‑being at work in France. One in four employees reports poor mental health, prompting companies to address psychosocial risks (RPS) and improve quality of life and working conditions (QVCT) through prevention, manager support and early detection of stress or burnout.

Data from AXA Santé & Collectives shows the overall absenteeism rate rose to 4.8 % in 2025, a 5 % increase over the previous year and 50 % higher than pre‑pandemic levels. Long‑term sick leaves (over six months) account for 2.1 % of total absenteeism, while younger workers and senior staff see the steepest rises, with absenteeism up 10 % among under‑30s and 8 % among executives. The trends are seen as signals of deeper organisational issues such as workload, work organisation and psychosocial stress, underscoring the need for comprehensive preventive strategies.