The other side of the French workplace

This article on a spate of suicides among France Telecom workers caught my attention today. I have always thought the French approach to work - 35 hour work week, longer holidays, more job security, etc. - was very civilized and would naturally lead to less stress. Apparently, however, the law of unintended consequences is in full effect here.

The proliferation of contract workers to make up for inflexibility in hiring and firing is familiar to me from my experiences consulting at large quasi-governmental organizations in the U.S. The story does not make it clear whether the suicides came from that group or from the permanently employed who are being marginalized and goaded to quit. However, I imagine even without management making an active effort to get you out, the lack of purpose and meaning in your day to day working existence could easily lead to depression, disgust and despair in many people. It would for me. It has for me.