Health · Mental Health · 11 hrs ago
One-third of French managers report frequent signs of declining mental health
A study published by France’s Association for the Employment of Executives (APEC) looks at how this group of workers has changed over more than 50 years.
The number of executives in France grew fivefold from 1968 to 2020 as the economy shifted towards services and more jobs required higher qualifications.
They earn a median net salary of €3,755 a month, about twice that of employees and manual workers, and many value autonomy and responsibility.
One-third say they often experience stress, exhaustion or anxiety, while 83% say it is important to push themselves at work.
The study says managers face particular strain as they act as a link between senior leaders and other employees.
Managers’ share of executives fell from 53% in 2006 to 42% in 2020, and most executives are now experts without staff-management duties.
Workers increasingly want work-life balance and more recognition, and 32% say their pay does not match their effort, skills and experience, up from 26% in 1995.
One-third of executives surveyed in an APEC study said they frequently experienced at least one sign of declining mental health.
The signs included intense stress, exhaustion or anxiety.
The study said these signals were more marked among managers, who act as a buffer between senior management and other employees.
The share of executives who were managers fell from 53% in 2006 to 42% in 2020.
The study also found that executives increasingly valued work-life balance and material and symbolic recognition.
- Who
- Executives surveyed by APEC, with mental health signals more marked among managers.
- What
- One-third reported frequently experiencing at least one sign of declining mental health, including intense stress, exhaustion or anxiety.
- When
- The study was published on 13 October; the article appeared on 15 October 2026.
- Where
- France.
- Why
- The study linked the signals to the pressure and strong availability demands associated with work, especially for managers caught between senior management and other employees.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The number of executives in France quintupled, according to the study.
The share of executives who were managers fell from 53% to 42%.
APEC published its retrospective study, Cadroscopie.
Le Monde published its article about executives’ aspirations and working conditions.
- Mental health
- One-third of executives surveyed frequently reported at least one sign of declining mental health
- Reported signs
- Intense stress, exhaustion or anxiety
- Median monthly net salary
- 3,755 euros
- Managers among executives
- 53% in 2006; 42% in 2020
- Dissatisfaction with pay
- 32% said their pay did not match their investment, skills and experience, compared with 26% in 1995
What people are saying
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