Since transitioning to the era of new technologies, France has become one of the countries with the highest mobile phone equipment rates in the world (94%) and home internet connection (86%). This phenomenon has disrupted the working world, profoundly changing company practices and worker habits. See here.
The Smartphone: Big Winner of Recent Technological Evolutions
With the rise of digital technology, certain devices are tending to disappear. This is the case with DVD and CD players, replaced by music and video streaming services. Today, digital devices even allow people to watch television, access various media, play… As for the landline phone, its persistence is due to the success of home internet boxes. Nevertheless, it is largely surpassed by the mobile phone, particularly the smartphone, which 84% of French people own.
The smartphone has indeed established itself as their preferred means of communication. The desktop computer is present in 61% of households but continues to lose ground. Even the tablet is less in demand since the arrival on the market of phones with large screens that allow for almost all uses. Moreover, almost all websites are in “responsive design,” meaning they can adapt to all formats in the absence of a dedicated app.
A digital divide still exists, mainly due to age, even though older people are starting to connect more to the internet to avoid being excluded from certain services. Indeed, some administrative procedures must now be done online.
The Impact of the Growing Role of Technologies on the Work World
These changes have significantly impacted the working habits of the French. Gaining in comfort and efficiency through automation, Big Data, artificial intelligence, and machine learning, they also seek well-being in both their professional and personal lives.
Thanks to the evolution of laws and various regulations, employees benefit from a certain level of security and better consideration of their expectations. Paid leave and full weekends have become rights. Increasingly, business leaders are giving more importance to the health and happiness of their employees. The goal is multifaceted: to improve their motivation, performance, and engagement.
Ideas are plentiful:
- arrangement of ergonomic and pleasant offices,
- creation of relaxation spaces (lounge, nap/sports/games rooms),
- transformation of outdoor spaces (terraces, gardens…) into working zones,
- provision of various services to facilitate employees’ daily lives (childcare, concierge service…).
Another trend has emerged in recent years, particularly with the Covid-19 pandemic: remote working. To avoid commuting, live outside big cities, enjoy their loved ones, and have more free time, many employees favor this way of organizing work. Some even accept a pay cut in exchange for a shortened 4-day work week.
Acceleration of the Phenomenon in the Near Future
With a device connected to the internet, anyone can connect from anywhere at any time, enabling mobile work. Email, business tools, videoconferencing solutions, professional files… are accessible remotely at all times. With the strengthening of the law, the health situation, and company efforts, it’s likely that this practice will continue to expand.
This will result in an “economic activity decentralization” outside Île-de-France and large metropolitan areas in general. However, barriers still need to be lifted for the approximately 5.5 million people who never connect and those who make very moderate use of the internet out of fear or lack of means. Lastly, the issue of confidentiality remains.
Technological advancements will continue, boosting the demand for IT specialists and experts in companies. This growing need opens many opportunities for professionals in this sector. Employees in these jobs who wish to become self-employed to benefit from greater freedom and find a balance between their private and professional lives should not have difficulty securing assignments, provided they have proven expertise and solid experience.
