A Parisian Perspective on the New Work World

By Mary Ann Faremouth, CPC

I recently had the opportunity to visit Paris, France, and it got me thinking about how much we can learn when we travel. Every city has its own history, culture and way of life, and if we take the time to pay attention, those differences can give us a fresh perspective on our own lives and work. Paris, in particular, left me thinking about some important lessons we could bring into today’s New Work World.

There is something about Paris that makes you stop and notice the way people live. Maybe it’s sitting at a café and watching people talk instead of stare at their phones. Maybe it’s seeing people gather around a table for lunch rather than eating at their desks. Or maybe it’s simply the way the city seems to encourage people to slow down enough to notice what is happening around them.

Paris has a long history of cafés and public gathering places where people have exchanged ideas, worked, socialized and simply enjoyed being around other people. French cafés have historically served as places for conversation and intellectual exchange, and today Paris continues to have a strong café and public-space culture.

Paris also has a remarkable history of people who came there to learn, create and change the world. One of those people was Marie Curie.

Marie Curie moved from Warsaw to Paris to pursue her education and went on to become one of the world’s most pioneering scientists. Alongside Pierre Curie, she conducted groundbreaking research on radioactivity and helped discover the elements polonium and radium. She ultimately became the first person to receive two Nobel Prizes.

What I find especially inspiring about her story is her curiosity and willingness to keep learning. She came to Paris looking for an opportunity to further her education, and her determination ultimately led her to make discoveries that changed the world.

Now, I am not suggesting that we all need to become Nobel Prize-winning scientists!

But I do think there are lessons we can take from Paris, its culture and the people who have called it home. From the way Parisians approach their daily lives to Marie Curie’s dedication to learning and discovery, there are some ideas worth bringing into today’s New Work World.

So, what can Paris teach us about creating a more productive, connected and fulfilling professional life?

1. Know When to Put Work in Its Place

One thing that stands out about French work culture is the importance of being intentional about how we approach work. France even recognizes a “right to disconnect,” with guidelines around the use of professional digital tools.

I think there is a lesson here for all of us. In a work world where our phones, email and technology keep us constantly connected, it can be easy to spend our days reacting instead of focusing.

The question isn’t whether we should work hard. It’s whether we are giving our best attention to the work that matters most.

Are distractions, unnecessary meetings or constant notifications getting in the way of meaningful work? Being successful isn’t simply about putting in more hours. It’s about making those hours count.

2. Don’t Underestimate the Power of the Lunch Table

In France, lunch can be an important social part of the workday. Colleagues, clients, friends and family often use that time to connect rather than simply eating at their desks.

There is something to be said for that. A meal creates an opportunity for conversation, and conversation often leads to ideas.

How often have you solved a problem or discovered a new perspective simply by talking with someone? Sometimes the most productive conversations happen away from the computer.

Who could you get to know better at work? You never know what good idea might come from simply sitting down with another person.

3. Work Smarter, Not Just Longer

Paris also makes me think about the difference between being busy and being productive.

We often measure hard work by how early we arrive, how late we stay or how much we manage to accomplish in a day. But more hours don’t necessarily mean better results.

Are you spending your time on the things that matter most? Could technology simplify repetitive tasks? Could meetings be shorter? Could greater focus replace constant multitasking?

Being efficient isn’t about doing less. It’s about making better use of the time you have.

4. Get Out From Behind the Desk and Into the World

One of the things I love about Paris is how naturally people gather in cafés, restaurants, parks, markets and other public spaces. These “third places” create opportunities to connect, exchange ideas and experience something outside our normal routines.

That matters in our professional lives, too. Some of our best ideas don’t happen while staring at a spreadsheet. They happen when we meet someone new, hear a different perspective or experience something outside our usual work environment.

Are you connecting with people outside your immediate work circle? Are you learning what other industries are doing? Your next great idea, partnership or opportunity may come from simply getting out and seeing what is happening in the world around you.

5. Stay Curious Like Marie Curie

And finally, we come back to Marie Curie.

Curiosity is one of the greatest gifts we can bring into our careers. Curie asked questions, challenged existing ideas and kept pursuing answers even when they were difficult to find. Her work ultimately led to groundbreaking discoveries and two Nobel Prizes.

What are you curious about? What technology is changing your industry? What process could be improved? What skill could you learn?

Don’t be afraid to ask questions or say, “I wonder if we could do this differently?” Some of the greatest innovations begin with a simple question.

We are living in a work world that is changing almost every day. Technology is transforming how we communicate and work, new generations are bringing different expectations into the workplace, and employers and employees alike are navigating what comes next.

Perhaps Paris gives us a few ideas.

Work hard, but understand that work is only one part of a full life. Talk to people instead of always communicating through a screen. Use your time wisely instead of simply counting the hours. Get out into the world and allow yourself to encounter new people and new ideas. And, most importantly, stay curious.

I don’t think we have to become French to appreciate these lessons!

But maybe we can bring a little bit of that Parisian spirit into our own work lives.

After all, sometimes a fresh perspective is all it takes to see an old problem in a completely new way.

And who knows? Your next great idea might just come over a cup of coffee.

Mary Ann’s award-winning first book Revolutionary Recruiting has been listed by Book Authority as Number #1 Best 100 Recruiting Books; #1 Best Seller, Non-Fiction, Amazon (2019); Top 20 Recruiting books, Recruitics; Readers’ Choice finalist (2019), Houston Literary Awards; Best Non-Fiction (2018), Best Cover (2019), and Best Self-Help (2018), Authors Marketing Guild. This was followed by “Revolutionary Reinvention”, a workbook for job seekers giving advice on how to rediscover your skills and passions and reinvent your career. Her most recent book is “Revolutionary Results” , a collection of life lessons about relationships, integrity and contributing to the world.