Margaux Feeds
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07:43 on 26 January 2023
Work less, even if it means you earn a little less. The idea is attracting more and more French people. According to a study by the Manpower Group, more than one in three employees would be willing to cut their pay by 5% in exchange for a four-day week. Despite inflation and purchasing power crisis, employees are ready to sacrifice some salary to maintain a good balance between their private life and their professional life.
A conceivable effort
Marine, a 26-year-old police officer, receives 2,300 euros a month. 5% less salary, so that’s 115 euros less every month. It is a significant loss, especially in times of inflation, but one that she would be willing to accept. “It’s already an effort to live a month properly, especially in light of the time today. Everything increases. Afterwards, yes, it’s more rest. My whole family lives in the provinces, for example, so it would allow me to turn back more often in the provinces”.
Virginie, head chef, could even do without a little more to go away at the weekend. “I would be ready to sacrifice 20% of my salary. I am on 2,500 euros. We have a tiring job, we give ourselves the whole week and I think 2 days at the weekend can be short anyway”.
Better work-life balance…
Like them, more and more French people are looking for a better balance between their private life and their professional life, explains Alain Roumilhac, chairman of the Manpower group: “The candidates have the choice, and so after each judge. We probably tended to think that the remuneration was the important element. Rather, it should be seen as a balance that is being restored. People are ready to make an economic effort”.
Still, a measured effort: most of the French surveyed by Europe 1 would not be ready to give up much more than 5% of their salary.
…but not for everyone
Moreover, for some, losing 5% is already impossible, like Naima, a childcare assistant who earns 1,500 euros a month. “It’s not possible because life is expensive now, especially if you have children. 2%, 3% maximum but not 5%”, concludes the young woman at the microphone in Europe 1.
