A recent study conducted by the statistical service of the Directorate General of Administration and Civil Service (DGAFP) reveals that over 40% of French civil servants take advantage of remote work to escape workplace pressure. Although public agents engage in telework less frequently than their private sector counterparts, they report greater benefits from the practice. The survey highlights that only 54% of public employees, compared to 67% in the private sector, utilize remote work for compatible roles, and only a small fraction (9%) of public employees work remotely three or more days a week, in stark contrast to 18% of private sector workers who do.

One significant finding from the survey is the demographic profile of those working remotely. A majority of remote workers in the public sector are women, making up 64% of this group, and 42% are over the age of 50. This demographic shift indicates potential challenges and considerations for public sector management, particularly in terms of addressing the needs and pressures faced by older female employees who may find remote work offers a reprieve from traditional workplace stressors.

Overall, the insights gained from the TraCov2 study underscore the evolving nature of work in France's public sector amidst the realities of post-pandemic working conditions. It raises questions about how public administration can adapt to better support its workforce while balancing the structural differences in telework acceptance and utilization between the public and private sectors.