Here are the some of the mistakes you should avoid:

1. Leaving early

Although you might think that showing up at the crack of dawn will automatically buy you a ticket to leave early – think again. The French are hard workers and many typically work past 7pm so don’t walk out at 5pm on the dot (unless you’ve been given permission to do so).

And besides, the French tend to start work later, so they’ll blissfully unaware of your early starts.

2. Ignoring the meet and greet

The French are big fans of greeting each other in the morning. Heading straight to your desk without first having done the expected office round of handshaking or “la bise” (cheek-kissing) may be perceived as rude and even obnoxious, no matter how much work is piled up on your desk.

Some workplaces might be a bit more casual, but at minimum, say a quick bonjour or salut to your colleagues before starting work.

READ MORE: La bise: Who to kiss in France, how many times and on which cheek

3. Eating lunch at your desk, alone

The French love their “déjeuner”, but also the company and conversations that come with it. Bringing your own lunch and not joining your colleagues can be seen as a big no-no. They may think you’re a little unsocialable and even weird. And you’ve probably just become their main topic of discussion during lunch.

As an added bonus, having a sit-down lunch with colleagues may help you improve your language skills. 

4. Getting drunk at the office ‘pot’

Yes, the French love their wine, and often find an excuse to bring some into the office, whether it’s a birthday, a send-off or just because it’s Friday. But don’t have too much of the good stuff. While getting sloshed might be accepted, even encouraged, at work nights out back home, don’t assume that will work here too.

5. Talking about money

Unless you’re in a meeting with the payroll department, keep any talk of money to yourself. The question of how much money someone makes tends to be a social taboo, discussed only in private, with family or very close friends. While this is changing somewhat with younger generations in France, older and more traditional people could be offended by pointed money-related questions.

Some say the taboo stems from a traditional fear of the tax-man, but The Local has not been able to independently verify this claim. There is also a general disapproval of openly flaunting wealth. 

READ MORE: Money, sex or religion: Which subjects are really taboo in France?

6. Skipping the formalities

“Bonjour” is without doubt the most important French word to know. Not using could make you an outcast in an instant, depending on the type of office you work in. And then there is that tricky business of knowing when to use “tu” or “vous” when addressing someone.

As a rule of thumb, and unless you’re told differently, say “vous” to all your superiors and any clients you meet through work. In fact just say “vous” to everyone to be safe. 

7. Engaging in small talk

Stuck in the elevator with your boss? The best bet to remain on a good footing with him or her is to just say “bonjour”, and then leave it at that. No point going on about the weather, necessarily.

The French they tend to find irrelevant small talk unnecessary. It may feel uncomfortable at first but you’ll soon admire their honesty.

SEE ALSO: Five tips for taking an elevator in France

8. Asking for a pay rise too often

Although a French employer might even respect you by asking for a pay rise, they only expect you to ask for it once a year (during your annual review, usually).

Any more than that and you’re starting to get annoying. The French typically enjoy a good debate, so make sure you are well-prepared for that once-a-year pitch.

9. Staying quiet in meetings

It is common for French meetings to go on a bit. The reason is that everyone needs to have had their say before they are brought to an end, regardless of whether it’s interesting. And unless you’re brand new on the job, they expect you to do so too. By remaining silent you could be viewed as a push-over.

10. Sidestepping the hierarchy

In general, French workplaces still tend to be pretty hierarchical. Side-stepping your manager by directly approaching his or her boss is frowned upon and could cost you valuable support from people who previously had your back.

Go through the proper channels, no matter how much time and energy you could have saved by taking a shortcut.

11. Assuming you will get work from home

Some French workplaces are still very focused on spending time in the office. Before assuming that you will get work from home days, be sure to ask. 

Private sector employees can negotiate an agreement to work remotely full- or part-time. If you ask to work from home for any number of days per week on a long-term basis, your boss has the right to refuse, but must give a reason. 

Your boss can also ask you to work from home. In normal circumstances, you can refuse and don’t have to provide a reason. However, in the event of exceptional circumstances (such as, for example, a pandemic), remote working may be imposed on employees without their agreement.

Either way, it’s considered sensible to have the agreement down in writing so that everyone knows where they stand. It also means that no one will get shouted at during any health and safety inspection.

READ MORE: The rules on working from home in France