In France, a significant portion of the workforce—between 55% and 75%—engages in what are called "atypical hours," according to a recent report by Anses, the National Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health Safety. These atypical hours include weekend shifts, long working days or weeks, and irregular shifts that fall outside typical business hours. Such schedules can negatively impact both health and personal life, according to the report, which was released on September 2. The study highlights three main categories of atypical work hours: working on weekends, working more than 8 hours a day or 40 hours a week, and working during unusual times, such as between 5:00 AM and 8:00 AM or 7:00 PM and midnight. Although the flexibility of working hours has increased since the 1980s, there is no official legal definition of "atypical hours" in France. These schedules affect a wide range of workers, including employees, public officials, self-employed individuals, farmers, salespeople, healthcare workers, and others. While there is substantial research on the health impacts of night work—such as disrupted biological rhythms, sleep problems, mental health issues, and increased risks for cancer and heart disease—there is less scientific research on the broader category of atypical hours. Anses reviewed 172 studies and found that atypical hours can affect both health and social life, with the specific impact depending on workload, type of work, stress levels, and sleep patterns. Although the agency did not find a direct cause-and-effect relationship, the studies showed statistical associations between certain work schedules and health issues. Long working hours, for example, were linked to increased anxiety, sleep disturbances, and cardiovascular diseases. Possible negative effects were also observed in reproductive and metabolic health, depression, and the balance between work and family life. Working on weekends can disrupt personal life and has been linked to mental health issues such as depression and anxiety, as well as physical health problems like disturbed sleep, fatigue, and musculoskeletal disorders. Shift work, particularly evening shifts, can negatively affect social and family life, mental health, and cardiovascular health. Morning shifts may also impact sleep and health, but to a lesser extent. The disruption of regular routines can lead to less restorative sleep and long-term health consequences, according to Henri Bastos, Scientific Director of Health and Work at Anses. To address these concerns, Anses recommends protections similar to those for night work, such as regular medical check-ups and special provisions for pregnant workers. Work schedules should be transparent, predictable, and balanced, with non-monetary compensations like reduced working hours with the same salary, rest time, and support with transportation and childcare. The agency also calls for raising awareness among self-employed workers and those not covered by the Labor Code. A clear legal definition of atypical hours could help prevent occupational risks more effectively. Experts also suggest considering the broader societal costs, such as increased childcare needs, transportation challenges, and higher energy use, when evaluating the benefits of such work arrangements.