77% of French Citizens Feel Work No Longer Pays Off Amid Economic Strains

A recent exclusive survey by Elabe for BFMTV reveals a sobering view of work’s financial value in France: 77% of the French population believes that work no longer provides sufficient financial reward. Despite inflation rates declining rapidly, purchasing power remains a central concern with only 23% of respondents convinced that work allows them to get by financially.

The perception that working more hours does not produce significant income gains is widespread; 40% feel extra work doesn’t lead to higher earnings, and just 14% believe working more would substantially boost their income. Instead, many are seeking alternatives such as optimizing expenses (51%), investing in real estate (32%), or relocating to more affordable areas (31%) to improve their living standards.

Over the past three years, 39% of employed individuals have seen their incomes stagnate while 18% experienced pay cuts. Compounding this dissatisfaction is the large gap between gross and net salaries, viewed by 71% of French citizens as disproportionately burdened by social contributions. The social model’s tax and contribution system is frequently blamed for the erosion of work’s value, with inflation (63%) and employer labor costs (60%) cited as primary reasons.

This distrust in financial returns from work is most pronounced among workers aged 35-64 and residents in rural areas, highlighting the challenges France faces in restoring confidence in the economic benefits of labor.