France clocks in ahead of peers in workforce management market

Sales of workforce management (WFM) solutions in France grew by 13.1% in 2011, according to a new report.

By Source: IMS Research (IHS Inc.) June 21, 2012

Sales of workforce management (WFM) solutions in France grew by 13.1% in 2011, according to a new report published by IMS Research, recently acquired by IHS Inc. This uptick in business was found to be the greatest of any country in Europe—and any economy in the developed world. 

In its study, IMS Research estimates sales of WFM hardware, software, and services in France accounted for 17.7% of the $950.1 million total for the EMEA region last year.

“The strong demand for WFM seen in France reflects the attractive return on investment (RoI) it offers to French employers,” says Michael Arluck, the analyst and author of the report. “This is born out of the unique complexity of the country’s labor laws, which has in turn created an enormous compliance burden for local accounting and HR departments.”

The growth in the French market is even more noteworthy when one considers the degree to which Europe’s economy has struggled in recent years. Even in France itself, general business conditions have been poor—the latest International Monetary Fund figures estimate the country’s GDP grew by a mere 1.6% in 2011.

That said, the recent election of the Hollande administration may have thrown the French market for a loop. “Suppliers [of WFM] are actually beginning to report a slow-down in business on the back of the elections,” says Arluck. “The fact is, companies do not want to pay for something they believe might be rendered obsolete by impending changes to the labor laws.”

The World Market for Workforce Management Solutions is now in its third edition. The study is the most detailed and comprehensive of its kind, and is read by the leading decision makers in the marketplace.