Fifteen years after a tragic series of employee suicides, Orange is facing renewed challenges related to a toxic work environment. Reports indicate approximately ten suicides this year, with around thirty in the last two years. Criticism arises over management practices under CEO Christel Heydemann, as unions warn of repeating past mistakes. Concerns grow over ongoing reorganizations and job cuts, prompting calls for new leadership to restore stability and prevent further tragedies.
The Shadow of the Past: A Recurring Tragedy at Orange
Fifteen years after a disturbing chapter in its history, Orange is once again grappling with the repercussions of a toxic work environment. Back in 2008 and 2009, France Télécom, the predecessor to Orange, faced an alarming series of employee suicides—35 individuals took their own lives during this period. This grim situation was exacerbated by a significant increase in heart attacks, strokes, and mental health issues, all linked to a damaging management culture that pervaded the company.
Management Missteps and Consequences
In a shocking seminar in October 2006, then-CEO Didier Lombard infamously remarked on the need to push “around 22,000 employees to leave,” highlighting a blatant disregard for staff welfare. Following this, Lombard was sentenced to one year in prison with a suspended sentence and fined €15,000 for “characterized institutional harassment.” His legal team has appealed the decision, with the Court of Cassation set to provide a ruling on January 21.
As Orange continues to navigate troubling waters, reports indicate a resurgence of despair among its workforce. Union representatives have noted that approximately ten suicides have occurred since the beginning of the year, with France Info estimating around thirty suicides in the last two years within a workforce of 65,000. One tragic case has already been acknowledged as a work-related accident, opening doors for potential criminal investigations.
Particularly affected are employees within the Technical and Information Systems Department (DTSI) and Orange Business, the latter having recently undergone a voluntary departure plan that eliminated 643 positions. The story of Philippe Le Gall, a dedicated engineer who tragically took his life in September 2023, underscores the severe impact of workplace stress. After a prior suicide attempt, he confided to his wife, expressing his inability to cope with work-related pressures.
The CFE-CGC union has criticized the direction set by new leader Christel Heydemann, who took over in April 2022. They argue that the company is repeating the mistakes of its past leadership, citing a series of confusing reorganizations and plans that prioritize financial goals over employee well-being. The union warns that “to the same causes, the same effects” will follow, as the lack of a meaningful strategic vision continues to erode morale and amplify social unrest.
Amidst growing fears of a new social crisis, unions have urged the government to appoint fresh leadership capable of restoring stability and preventing further tragedies. Additionally, calls for a moratorium on ongoing reorganizations have emerged, as Orange considers cutting an estimated 3,000 positions annually, particularly targeting employees nearing retirement.