Expert guidance on French employment regulations, collective agreements, and compliance requirements tailored to your business needs.
Understanding the French employment law framework
The primary source of French employment law, establishing minimum standards and protections for all employees.
Industry-specific agreements that often provide more favorable terms than the Labor Code.
French law distinguishes between indefinite (CDI) and fixed-term (CDD) contracts with strict regulations.
Comprehensive system of employee representation and consultation.
How Ask Athena helps navigate French employment complexities
Navigating the strict procedural requirements and protections for employee dismissals.
Step-by-step termination guidance, documentation templates, and strategic advice for each dismissal scenario.
Managing the 35-hour workweek, overtime regulations, and working time tracking requirements.
Working time policy frameworks, overtime management systems, and compliance monitoring tools.
Identifying and implementing applicable collective agreements (conventions collectives).
Collective agreement applicability assessments, compliance audits, and practical implementation guidance.
Establishing and managing relationships with the CSE and other employee representatives.
CSE election management, consultation procedure frameworks, and strategic communication planning.
Comprehensive support for businesses operating in France
Thorough review of your employment practices against French employment law and applicable collective agreements.
Legally compliant employment documentation tailored to French requirements.
On-demand expert advice on French employment law matters.
Support for international companies establishing operations in France.
How we've helped businesses navigate French employment challenges
Industry: Technology
Challenge: US-based tech company needed to establish compliant operations in France with minimal risk.
Solution: Developed comprehensive French employment framework including contracts, policies, and CSE implementation plan.
Result: Successfully established Paris office with 30+ employees and full compliance with French regulations.
Industry: Retail
Challenge: Retailer struggled to implement the complex requirements of the Commerce de détail collective agreement.
Solution: Conducted comprehensive audit and developed implementation plan for all mandatory provisions.
Result: Full collective agreement compliance achieved, avoiding potential penalties and employee claims.
Industry: Manufacturing
Challenge: French manufacturer needed to implement workforce reductions requiring complex consultation procedures.
Solution: Developed comprehensive restructuring plan, CSE consultation framework, and social plan (PSE).
Result: Successful restructuring with all procedural requirements met and minimal legal challenges.
Dedicated specialists with deep knowledge of French employment law
Head of French Practice
Former employment lawyer with 14+ years of experience in French employment law and collective agreement negotiations.
Senior HR Advisor
HR professional specializing in practical implementation of French employment regulations in multinational companies.
Employee Representation Specialist
Expert in French labor relations with extensive experience in CSE matters and employee consultation procedures.
Practical tools and guides for French employers
Download practical guides and templates for French employment compliance.
Access ResourcesIdentify which collective agreements apply to your business in France.
Find Applicable AgreementsSubmit your query for free initial guidance from our French employment specialists.
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