Shift work: Anses calls for better regulation to protect health

2026-09-03

The French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (Anses) recently published a concerning report regarding "atypical working hours." According to this study, employees who work outside of standard hours, such as at night, early in the morning, or late in the evening, face increased risks to their physical and mental health.

The report highlights that these work rhythms seriously disrupt the balance between professional and family life. The employees concerned often experience difficulties in maintaining a stable social life, which can lead to progressive isolation. Furthermore, the lack of regular sleep and the stress associated with these schedules can promote the onset of anxiety or depressive disorders.

Faced with these findings, Anses recommends better regulation of these practices within French companies. The agency insists on the necessity of limiting the use of shift work as much as possible and offering reinforced medical support for the most exposed employees. The goal is to prevent chronic illnesses linked to fatigue and to protect the well-being of workers.

This issue has become a major challenge for the world of work in France, where many sectors, such as healthcare, security, or logistics, depend on these organizational structures. The debate is now open on how employers can adapt their methods to reconcile economic needs with the health of their teams.