French workers biggest whiners, Irish happiest: study

[He219]

http://img263.imageshack.us/img263/4318/captsgedfd0614050716082ec9.jpg
French workers biggest whiners, Irish happiest: study (http://rds.yahoo.com/_ylt=A9j8eu5YOklGGkMAPBPQtDMD;_ylu=X3oDMTBjdmNoOTVjBHBvcwMyBHNlYwNzcg--/SIG=133cv5r6m/EXP=1179290584/**http%3a//news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20070514/od_afp/lifestylefranceireland_070514143148)
Mon May 14, 12:16 PM ET

LONDON (AFP) - French workers are the world's biggest whiners, according to a study published Monday which said the Irish complain least about their lot.

Britons come second to their Gallic cousins in the moaning stakes, followed by Sweden, the United States and Australia. Japanese workers have the lowest morale, but don't complain so much.

The lowest levels of whining were found in the Netherlands, Thailand and Ireland, according to the study by the FDS research group.

"It is interesting to note that after France, Britain and Sweden, the world's biggest workplace whingers are Americans, despite their having by far the highest levels of income," said FDS chief Charlotte Cornish.

"Compare them to Thai workers: while real levels of income are more than eight times higher in the States, more workers in the US feel their pay is a problem than in Thailand," she added.

The study, entitled "What Workers Want, A Worldwide Study of Attitudes to Work and Work-Life Balance", draws on data from 14,000 employees in 23 countries.

They were notably asked about their satisfaction with issues including pay levels and their work-life balance, as well as average working hours.

In terms of worker morale, Dutch workers are the happiest, followed by their Thai and Irish counterparts. The lowest morale of all is found in Japan, followed by Germany, said the study.

The study's authors noted that rightwing French President-elect Nicolas Sarkozy shouldn't expect things to become happier anytime soon, as he prepares to shake up notoriously strike-****e France.

"The UK and US, with their marked competitive individualism and unequal wealth distribution, both appear towards the top of the world's list of whingiest workers," said Cornish.

"The French come out on top -- it seems unlikely that Nicolas Sarkozy's election and the likely shift to more Anglo-Saxon economic practices will make the workers in France any more happy with their lot," she added.

#

[deagle]

don't the french have like, 3 day weekends or somethin ? and shorter work days per year ? dang, lol

[Calanen]

Try and fire a French person in France, man are you in for a shock. The only place that is as bad or maybe worse is Belgium.

[toki]

This study can just show a momentum. For example Germany may have a low morale and not so many whiners, but just because more people feared for their jobs in the last couple of years and so never complained, came to work ill (that's a big phenomenon recently), etc. In better times that will change. Higher morale, but also higher percentage of whining. Now that the economy recovers in big steps it will change again.

[Atlantic Friend]

France 1st, Britain 2nd, Sweden 3rd, USA 4th... Apparently, there's a direct link between having a top-tier economy and quality of life and whining.

[udt87]

I don't know... I wouldn't mind having a legislated 40 hour work week like in France... ;)

[Superking]

I do nuthin' but bitch.

But in my defence I am WAY below most in my line of work when it comes to the pay. Then again I came in to work sick for 3 weeks and can't seem to shake the cough even 2 weeks after recovery so I see myself as a good worker.

[Atlantic Friend]

I don't know... I wouldn't mind having a legislated 40 hour work week like in France... ;)

Actually it's 35, with a complex system for overtime. Hopefully the whole system is going to be reformed soon !

[tanks_alot]

Actually it's 35, with a complex system for overtime. Hopefully the whole system is going to be reformed soon !

Stop whining already!

[Atlantic Friend]

Stop whining already!

Are you complaining ? Trying to out-whine me, eh, you sneaky bastard ! Give up, I'm twice the whiner you are !

[udt87]

Actually it's 35, with a complex system for overtime. Hopefully the whole system is going to be reformed soon !

lol, ok... still would be nice :D

[Bitogno]

France 1st, Britain 2nd, Sweden 3rd, USA 4th... Apparently, there's a direct link between having a top-tier economy and quality of life and whining.

Much more a matter of consumption society that le you believe that the more you get, the happier you will be. People start whinning because it is false and that they don't understant it.

[futurepilot2004]

France 1st, Britain 2nd, Sweden 3rd, USA 4th... Apparently, there's a direct link between having a top-tier economy and quality of life and whining.

Well we`ve the second highest GDP in the world and we aint complaining :)

[Atlantic Friend]

Well we`ve the second highest GDP in the world and we aint complaining :)

The second highest GDP in the world...exactly WHAT world are we talking about here, me lad ? p-)

[futurepilot2004]

The second highest GDP in the world...exactly WHAT world are we talking about here, me lad ? p-)

Check stats from the IMF/economist/etc etc. GDP per capita is $44,000.

[Atlantic Friend]

Check stats from the IMF/economist/etc etc. GDP per capita is $44,000.

Hey, impressive indeed. I would have thought small countries like Abu Dhabi or Lichtenstein would have beaten you to that game, though.

[futurepilot2004]

Hey, impressive indeed. I would have thought small countries like Abu Dhabi or Lichtenstein would have beaten you to that game, though.

I think Abu Dhabi is put in with the entire UAE which is why its not up there.
But, we`re rich and happy. Great combination :)

[Atlantic Friend]

I think Abu Dhabi is put in with the entire UAE which is why its not up there.
But, we`re rich and happy. Great combination :)

And the beer is good - which may have something to do with the "happy" part come to think of it.

[thscott83]

I can believe that this is true, but are there any first-hand accounts of French employee whinyness?

[Bitogno]

I can believe that this is true, but are there any first-hand accounts of French employee whinyness?

Whinning is a French national sport. We do that a lot but we don't solve the problems until we reach a certain point. Then we start cutting heads.

[fin0084]

http://img263.imageshack.us/img263/4318/captsgedfd0614050716082ec9.jpg
French workers biggest whiners, Irish happiest: study (http://rds.yahoo.com/_ylt=A9j8eu5YOklGGkMAPBPQtDMD;_ylu=X3oDMTBjdmNoOTVjBHBvcwMyBHNlYwNzcg--/SIG=133cv5r6m/EXP=1179290584/**http%3a//news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20070514/od_afp/lifestylefranceireland_070514143148)
Mon May 14, 12:16 PM ET

LONDON (AFP) - French workers are the world's biggest whiners, according to a study published Monday which said the Irish complain least about their lot.

Britons come second to their Gallic cousins in the moaning stakes, followed by Sweden, the United States and Australia. Japanese workers have the lowest morale, but don't complain so much.

The lowest levels of whining were found in the Netherlands, Thailand and Ireland, according to the study by the FDS research group.

"It is interesting to note that after France, Britain and Sweden, the world's biggest workplace whingers are Americans, despite their having by far the highest levels of income," said FDS chief Charlotte Cornish.

"Compare them to Thai workers: while real levels of income are more than eight times higher in the States, more workers in the US feel their pay is a problem than in Thailand," she added.

The study, entitled "What Workers Want, A Worldwide Study of Attitudes to Work and Work-Life Balance", draws on data from 14,000 employees in 23 countries.

They were notably asked about their satisfaction with issues including pay levels and their work-life balance, as well as average working hours.

In terms of worker morale, Dutch workers are the happiest, followed by their Thai and Irish counterparts. The lowest morale of all is found in Japan, followed by Germany, said the study.

The study's authors noted that rightwing French President-elect Nicolas Sarkozy shouldn't expect things to become happier anytime soon, as he prepares to shake up notoriously strike-****e France.

"The UK and US, with their marked competitive individualism and unequal wealth distribution, both appear towards the top of the world's list of whingiest workers," said Cornish.

"The French come out on top -- it seems unlikely that Nicolas Sarkozy's election and the likely shift to more Anglo-Saxon economic practices will make the workers in France any more happy with their lot," she added.

#

They are free people and they know their value they have every right to bitch i they want to:roll:

[DaGreatRV]

There is a difference between being unhappy about your work and whining about it.

I never whine about work and I'm not unhappy about it, eventhough the pay sux.
The only thing that annoys me is that those dumbarse managers try to impress us with their american style of speaking and attitude. :slap:
(but hey thats what you get when working in an american multinational)

[Chimera]

Well we`ve the second highest GDP in the world and we aint complaining :)

And you can thank EU and its structural funds for that. Otherwise, your country would still be the same third world styled country it was 25 years ago.

[Weasel]

don't the french have like, 3 day weekends or somethin ? and shorter work days per year ? dang, lol

I smell envy.

[Smashed!]

France 1st, Britain 2nd, Sweden 3rd, USA 4th... Apparently, there's a direct link between having a top-tier economy and quality of life and whining.

+123456789

[Hunterhr]

I smell envy.

Definetly.

And the picture totally makes that article. :)

[SHAM]

And you can thank EU and its structural funds for that. Otherwise, your country would still be the same third world styled country it was 25 years ago.

Eh no...
Ireland was given an opportunity, the same that many other countries were given.
It is the Irish people who took that opportunity and have made the country what it is.
Unlike so many other countries who have been given the same opportunity and squandered it.
The EU should thank the Irish people for being an example of success for the newly joined members, the wingeing existant members and those who might join one day such as wales, scotland and northern ireland:)

[Smashed!]

Eh no...
Ireland was given an opportunity, the same that many other countries were given.
It is the Irish people who took that opportunity and have made the country what it is.
Unlike so many other countries who have been given the same opportunity and squandered it.
The EU should thank the Irish people for being an example of success for the newly joined members, the wingeing existant members and those who might join one day such as wales, scotland and northern ireland:)

What opportunity? Listen buddy, Ireland was given money, wich it thoroughly passed to the major corporations that started a trend for growth in the most outstanding manner.


A real example of success was Spain 35 million people in 1985 look where they're now.

[BloodyTalon]

They are free people and they know their value they have every right to bitch i they want to:roll:
Let me guess: you're French.

[futurepilot2004]

And you can thank EU and its structural funds for that. Otherwise, your country would still be the same third world styled country it was 25 years ago.

Well you clearly know what your talking about :roll:

[muttbutt]

What opportunity? Listen buddy, Ireland was given money, wich it thoroughly passed to the major corporations that started a trend for growth in the most outstanding manner.


A real example of success was Spain 35 million people in 1985 look where they're now.
Really, so why aren't Portugal or Greece where we are?...we didn't pass money to any corporations, we built infrastruture as the money was intended, we also put into place a bussiness friendly enviroment...and comparing us to Spain even a Spain of 20 years ago is ridiculous, we were in a much much worse place then they were,..and now we'll start being net contributors, so hopefully the new EU nations can improve their standing too.

[muttbutt]

And you can thank EU and its structural funds for that. Otherwise, your country would still be the same third world styled country it was 25 years ago.
And French farmers can thank the EU for the subsideis...yes plenty to go around:roll:...I was around 25 years ago, bad yes, Liberia on a nice day, we were not.

[SHAM]

Some people obviously prefer to just keep on giving money to countries and then feel better about themselves.
The fact that Ireland has made a success of itself and become a contributor clearly offends some.
I would think its a fine example of how the EU can do some good.

[muttbutt]

Some people obviously prefer to just keep on giving money to countries and then feel better about themselves.
The fact that Ireland has made a success of itself and become a contributor clearly offends some.
I would think its a fine example of how the EU can do some good.
Meh, someone's just living up to the title of the thread, p-)

I'll give a hint, it's not the Irish on here

[SHAM]

Meh, someone's just living up to the title of the thread, p-)

I'll give a hint, it's not the Irish on here

True, do we need surveys and statistics to know the french are miserable and the irish are happy.
Hardly!

[foxtrot023]

And you can thank EU and its structural funds for that. Otherwise, your country would still be the same third world styled country it was 25 years ago.

so says the gent from the nation that got saved by the Americans and given money afterwards (hint- Marshall Plan) to get into gear. So please get down from your high horse cause we ain´t buying

[James]

France 1st, Britain 2nd, Sweden 3rd, USA 4th... Apparently, there's a direct link between having a top-tier economy and quality of life and whining.

I think many Americans whine because they live beyond their means and are in debt. There's WAY too much consumerism in this country. Everyone thinks they need a huge house, three cars, etc. You actually can have these things, but almost your entire paycheck must go to cover the monthly costs. Then, when you want something else, you use a credit card, and you start building debt because you are spending credit faster than you pay it off.

[muttbutt]

True, do we need surveys and statistics to know the french are miserable and the irish are happy.
Hardly!
To be fair not all of them...just a higher then average amount, p-)

[Laworkerbee]

I think many Americans whine because they live beyond their means and are in debt. There's WAY too much consumerism in this country. Everyone thinks they need a huge house, three cars, etc. You actually can have these things, but almost your entire paycheck must go to cover the monthly costs. Then, when you want something else, you use a credit card, and you start building debt because you are spending credit faster than you pay it off.

Well said. I hear people bitch to no end as well.

[muttbutt]

Well said. I hear people bitch to no end as well.
We have some of the sme **** here, morons buying huge SUV's, flashy 50 inch TV's ect ect, and they can't afford any of it, nevermind all of it:roll:

[Laworkerbee]

I've been feeling some serious pressure to buy a new car, well I have two but I never drive the Mustang she is a classic that collects dust.

My car is paid for but when I drive into the garage at work it goes something like this.

Lexus, Mercedes, BMW, Mercedes, Audi, Volvo, Saab, Mercedes, Audi, LAworkerbees paid off 1996 Nissan Truck, Mercedes, Audi, Lexus, Saab.

I love my truck and I have paid her off but I'm feeling social pressure to buy "new" :|

[foxtrot023]

I've been feeling some serious pressure to buy a new car, well I have two but I never drive the Mustang she is a classic that collects dust.

My car is paid for but when I drive into the garage at work it goes something like this.

Lexus, Mercedes, BMW, Mercedes, Audi, Volvo, Saab, Mercedes, Audi, LAworkerbees paid off 1996 Nissan Truck, Mercedes, Audi, Lexus, Saab.

I love my truck and I have paid her off but I'm feeling social pressure to buy "new" :|

don´t, now is not a good time. Perhaps by years end rates will go down a bit

[Weasel]

I love my truck and I have paid her off but I'm feeling social pressure to buy "new" :|

Haha, you are weak, man. "Social pressure"... rofl

[fin0084]

Let me guess: you're French.

Wrong .

[Laworkerbee]

Haha, you are weak, man. "Social pressure"... rofl

You bastard, you say that while getting into your Audi A4

[Weasel]

You bastard, you say that while getting into your Audi A4

Pssst, don´t tell: I have a czech car. ;-)

[muttbutt]

Pssst, don´t tell: I have a czech car. ;-)
Skoda are a good make now...although your fellow Germans may be annoyed ;)

[Weasel]

Skoda are a good make now...although your fellow Germans may be annoyed ;)

I don´t care. My Skoda is driving, my colleague´s Mercedes is always in the repair shop. Last week he had to pay 2.000 Euro for a repair. I could buy 5 Skodas for this money. p-)

[Sharp]

there is an incredible number of germans buying french cars since some years now .. citroen, peugeot, renault.. it always make me smile when i see one on the way

[kamaz]

French workers biggest whiners,


in other news, water is wet..

[Kippari]

Cars are a status symbol without any equal except perhaps a house. It's funny to see that almost every other 20-25yrs old drive an import BMW here.:) Older people drive larger Volvos, Mercs, Audis, Toyotas, Nissans, Opels, VWs and Peugeots. The distinctive feature is that almost nobody drives an American car. I don't know if it's because they are crappy or they are just too different to European/Far-Eastern cars. Some Chryslers here tho.

[toki]

there is an incredible number of germans buying french cars since some years now .. citroen, peugeot, renault.. it always make me smile when i see one on the way

It's nothing new. If it's a trend it started 20-30 years ago. Or maybe with the small cars in the 80's, early 90's: R5, later Peugeot 205, 206, Renault Clio. But all in all they have always been present. (Citroen in the 70's for example). My next car will probably also be a french one. They are held in pretty high regard in the compact and middle class. All in all they have a good brand image. The upper middle class is still dominated by German cars here though. A name and prestige thing. The younger crowd always liked 'em though. Of course VW, Opel etc. are omnipresent as well.

^^^@posts above. Seat and Skoda are just VW's in another dress anyways. So it's more of a image and price thing which one you take. VW - 'german', classic, Seat - a bit sporty, Skoda, solid - less extravagant. The target groups are just different, but the platform is the same.

[Sharp]

my familly always bought VW cars, Golf 1, Golf 2, Golf 3 (actually mine), Polo..
my next car will certainly be a Golf V GTI with DSG ... they are reliable , fast and well made cars.

[helomech]

I think many Americans whine because they live beyond their means and are in debt. There's WAY too much consumerism in this country. Everyone thinks they need a huge house, three cars, etc. You actually can have these things, but almost your entire paycheck must go to cover the monthly costs. Then, when you want something else, you use a credit card, and you start building debt because you are spending credit faster than you pay it off.

That's the American way and it's stupid as hell!I know I've been down that road and it sucks a_ss.After my divorce,it got real ugly in the financial sense but 11 years later it's all good,I learned my lesson from that...but I digress-

The French being #1 on the Whiner List?Like no one saw that coming!p-)
And the sky is blue as well.........

[Atlantic Friend]

Skoda are a good make now...although your fellow Germans may be annoyed ;)

I loved Skoda's slogans in France in the 1990s : "The new Skoda may not be 15 years ahead of its time, but its price is at least 25 years behind !"

[udt87]

I think many Americans whine because they live beyond their means and are in debt. There's WAY too much consumerism in this country. Everyone thinks they need a huge house, three cars, etc. You actually can have these things, but almost your entire paycheck must go to cover the monthly costs. Then, when you want something else, you use a credit card, and you start building debt because you are spending credit faster than you pay it off.

For real... too many of our fellow Americans have become too reliant on "The-Great-Democratic-Handout." Heck, who was it (FDR?)... who said that you have to make men earn something, because if you just give it out they will become reliant on the "give-me's." Something along those lines.

[CaptainFreedom]

râleurs oui whiners no :]

[Sharp]

chaque pays à ses raleurs.... y'en a juste qui geulent plus fort (n'est-ce pas une qualité?) :)

[California Joe]

Am I just really drunk or are the Irish actually 3rd and not 1st in this gay study? And would they actually be 1st and not 3rd if they weren't drunk when they took the survey? Just some thoughts....

[futurepilot2004]

Am I just really drunk or are the Irish actually 3rd and not 1st in this gay study? And would they actually be 1st and not 3rd if they weren't drunk when they took the survey? Just some thoughts....

Aye, you be drunk alright :)