10 Essential Rules for Building Good Relationships With Colleagues in France

Working in France comes with its own cultural logic.

French professional life is a unique blend of rationality, diplomacy, emotional control, sociability, and intellectual debate.

Here, being competent is important — but knowing how to behave is just as crucial.

French colleagues expect nuance, courtesy, and respect for unspoken social codes.

To thrive and maintain harmonious relationships, you need to understand how the French interact, what they value, and what they cannot tolerate.

Here are 10 essential rules, each with what you should do — and what you should absolutely avoid — to fit smoothly into a French workplace.

1. The French “Bonjour”: A Daily Ritual You Cannot Skip

In France, saying hello is not optional — it is a social foundation.

Failing to greet someone is seen as disrespectful or deliberately rude.

✔️ Do

Greet each colleague individually when you arrive:

“Bonjour,” eye contact, a slight smile — simple but powerful.

Add the person’s name when appropriate.

❌ Don’t

Walk into a room silently.

Greet only managers while ignoring coworkers.

Why it matters:

Saying bonjour means: “I acknowledge you. We begin the day together.”

In France, relationships are built on recognition before collaboration.

2. Keep the Right Distance: Friendly, But Not Intimate

French workplace relationships are warm but restrained.

People enjoy friendliness — but they protect their private life carefully.

✔️ Do

Share light personal information: weekend plans, hobbies, small stories.

This shows personality without overstepping.

❌ Don’t

Overshare your private problems or emotional struggles.

Expect instant friendship.

Why it matters:

The French value boundaries.

They prefer colleagues who are sociable but respectful of personal space.

3. Lunch Breaks: A Sacred Social Moment

In France, lunch is not a quick refueling stop — it is a social anchor.

This is where bonds are created, teams relax, and conversations flow.

✔️ Do

Join colleagues for lunch or coffee at least occasionally.

Use this time to talk about life, culture, travel — not only work.

❌ Don’t

Eat at your desk every day.

Refuse all invitations without explanation.

Why it matters:

The French see lunch as essential to well-being and teamwork.

Many friendships — and alliances — begin around the table.

4. Master the Art of Diplomatic Communication

The French dislike bluntness.

Honesty is appreciated, but form matters as much as content.

✔️ Do

Use polite, softer expressions:

• “Maybe we could consider…”

• “What if we tried…”

• “I see your point, but perhaps…”

❌ Don’t

Say things like “This is wrong,” “You made a mistake,” or issue direct commands.

Communicate aggressively or without nuance.

Why it matters:

France is a culture of debate, not confrontation.

A well-phrased suggestion is worth more than a brutal truth.

5. Reliability Over Speed: The French Definition of Professionalism

Punctuality is appreciated — but reliability is absolutely essential.

✔️ Do

Keep people informed, give updates, warn them if something goes wrong.

Deliver on your commitments.

❌ Don’t

Disappear without explanation.

Promise things you cannot achieve.

Why it matters:

Trust in France is built through consistency and clarity — not perfection.

6. Become Part of the Team: Presence Matters

French colleagues appreciate coworkers who contribute to group life.

You don’t need to be extroverted — just present.

✔️ Do

Attend small celebrations: birthdays, going-away parties, team events.

Offer help when someone is overwhelmed.

❌ Don’t

Stay isolated or decline every invitation.

Act superior or uninterested in the team.

Why it matters:

In France, being “integrated” is nearly as important as being skilled.

7. Respect Hierarchy — But Think for Yourself

French hierarchy is subtle: respect is expected, but blind obedience is frowned upon.

✔️ Do

Offer ideas, arguments, and perspectives — respectfully.

Engage in discussions with intelligence.

❌ Don’t

Stay silent out of fear.

Publicly humiliate a superior or contradict aggressively.

Why it matters:

The French admire critical thinking.

A strong employee is one who questions with tact — not one who obeys without reflecting.

8. Avoid Social “Landmines”

Some topics can divide colleagues instantly.

✔️ Do

Stay neutral or cautious when politics, religion, and social debates come up.

Listen more than you speak until you understand the group dynamics.

❌ Don’t

Impose your opinions, challenge others harshly, or provoke ideological battles.

Why it matters:

The French love debating — but not at the expense of workplace harmony.

9. Understand the French Style of Criticism

The French critique not to offend but to engage intellectually.

A discussion can be sharp without being hostile.

✔️ Do

Accept feedback calmly.

Respond thoughtfully: “You’re right on this point; I’ll adjust.”

❌ Don’t

Take everything personally.

React emotionally to comments.

Why it matters:

In France, criticism is often seen as a sign of engagement — not an attack.

10. Practice Everyday Courtesy: The Invisible Glue

French courtesy is subtle but powerful.

Small gestures carry enormous weight.

✔️ Do

Use polite expressions: merci, s’il vous plaît, pardon.

Congratulate coworkers.

Hold doors.

Show appreciation.

❌ Don’t

Speak abruptly.

Overlook people’s efforts.

Interrupt repeatedly.

Why it matters:

Courtesy is viewed as maturity and emotional intelligence — two qualities deeply respected in French workplaces.

Conclusion: Working in France Means Mastering the Art of Nuance

Good relationships in a French company rely on a delicate balance of:

• respect

• witty conversation

• emotional control

• diplomacy

• warmth

• intellectual curiosity

• social awareness

The French avoid extremes:

not too distant, not too friendly;

not too direct, not too passive;

not too emotional, not too robotic.

Understanding these nuances lets you not only integrate —

but also shine as someone who “gets” the French way of working, a rare and valuable skill.