Teleworking during lockdown has taken a heavy toll on mental health, according to a survey commissioned by psychosocial risk experts at Empreintes Humaines. Among 2,000 French employees surveyed, 44% reported psychological distress, with 25% at risk of clinical depression and another 25% experiencing declining professional motivation.
Women are disproportionately affected, grappling with heavy mental loads and multiple roles: 22% reported high distress compared to 14% of men.
Key factors include unsuitable home setups—only 45% could isolate for work, 60% labored in living rooms, and 25% in bedrooms or other non-dedicated spaces.
Distress was more pronounced among those living as couples (20%) or with children (22%), versus 18% in the general population.
This led to widespread issues: 26% saw motivation drop, and 50% perceived performance declines—worse for women (30%), Ile-de-France residents (31%), and those confined with others (32%). Notably, 20% of managers faced high psychological distress.
Despite challenges, 70% believe their employer is doing its best, and 80% trust colleagues for support. Perceived aid ranks colleagues highest (79%), followed by direct managers (70%), company leadership (67%), and HR (59%).
Yet, only one-third feel adequately informed on psychological health and psychosocial risks. Work psychologist Christophe Nguyen, president of Empreintes Humaines (Human Footprint), urges action: “We know what works: real prevention plans with listening spaces, expression opportunities, and team meetings. The key is not facing distress alone.” This insight arrives as former PM Edouard Philippe advocated extending telework post-May 11 “to the fullest extent possible.”
