Despite a decrease in daily work-related stress since the pandemic, many French employees still report feeling unfulfilled in their professional lives. According to the People at Work 2025 report by ADP Research, only 20% of French workers feel fully fulfilled in their jobs, considerably lower than the global average of 27%.

stress Levels Decline, But Remain a Concern

The report indicates a positive trend with a noticeable reduction in daily stress. In France, 11% of employees report experiencing daily stress, down from 19% the previous year. A similar global trend shows a decrease from 15% to 7.5% over the same period.

However, workplace tensions persist. 64 % of French workers say they feel stress at least once a week, an increase from 61% in 2024. Women are more affected than men, with 13% of women reporting weekly stress compared to 8% of men. Europe has the highest proportion of employees feeling “overwhelmed” at 19%, with France at 18%.

“The absence of negative stress at work is not enough to guarantee development.”

Disengagement Among Young French Workers

The study highlights that French youth is particularly affected. Only 13% of those aged 18-26 report flourishing professionally,compared to 20% of those over 27. This age group also experiences the highest levels of work overload, with 23% feeling overwhelmed, compared to 16% among 55-64 year olds.

France is among the five countries with the lowest work engagement levels, alongside South Korea, Thailand, Japan, and India, showing only a slight improvement of 1 point from the previous year.

In contrast, Poland shows a much higher level of engagement, with only 13% of employees feeling overloaded and 32% reporting professional fulfillment.This suggests a strong link between chronic stress and disengagement.

The Pressures of Remote Work

Teleworking, intended to provide flexibility, appears to be affected by subtle pressures.28 % of French employees claim to feel judged when they work remotely, and nearly a third feel constantly monitored by their managers.These feelings negatively impact their well-being,making them 3.4 times less likely to feel fulfilled at work.

According to Nela Richardson, chief economist at ADP, the reduction in stress is just the beginning. “” The absence of negative stress at work is not enough to guarantee development “, she explains. The key lies in the bond of trust with colleagues and managers and A balanced working habitat where listening and flexibility replace constant surveillance.

Carlos Fontelas de carvalho, president of ADP France, emphasizes the importance of Proximity managers who are equipped to identify signs of overload and disengagement, provided they are relieved of administrative burdens.