Manager numbers in France rise sharply

The number of managers in France's private sector has grown more than five times since 1968, reaching over 4 million in 2020, according to the Association for the Employment of Managers (Apec). This increase has made managers 23% of private sector workers, up from 7% in 1968.

Growth spans multiple sectors

The expansion of managerial roles has occurred across both the tertiary sector—services—and industry, with a particularly dramatic rise in computing. In this field, the number of managers has increased tenfold since the early 1980s, according to Annelore Coury, director general of the Apec.

More women and less direct supervision

The manager population has become more diverse, with women now making up 38% of managers. However, they still form a minority compared to non-managers, where women are 45%. Additionally, fewer managers now directly supervise other employees, with only 42% doing so in 2020, down from 53% in 2006.

Managers value autonomy and responsibility

A survey by the Apec of 2,000 managers and 3,000 non-managers found that managers see themselves as responsible, autonomous, and well-paid. They also describe their roles as being "between the hammer and the anvil," caught between the demands of their superiors, the expectations of their colleagues, and the pressures of their personal lives.

Uncertain future for managerial careers

Despite better working conditions, such as fewer physical risks and higher pay, managerial careers are not always stable or predictable. Older managers over 50 are more likely to face unemployment, and younger people find it harder to enter the field. In August, the Apec reported that large companies have slowed their hiring of managers to the lowest level since 2020, reflecting broader economic uncertainty.