How a CSE Mandate Can Boost Your Career – Les Echos

Henri Vidalinc, Chairman of Grant Alexander Group, shares his perspective on taking a mandate within a Social and Economic Committee (CSE) in an article published by Les Echos, featuring testimonials from elected employees and HR experts.

“I might have got my promotion without it, but…”: How a CSE mandate can boost a career.

In France, just over 300,000 employees are elected representatives. A four-year mandate that can prove valuable in multiple ways.

“Be careful, you’ll become the ‘yellow vest’ of your company!” This was the reaction of Audrey’s family and friends when she told them she wanted to run in the CSE elections, the Social and Economic Committee that represents employees within a company. Audrey works for a luxury group, which she joined four years ago after graduating from business school. The idea came gradually. “I just wanted to participate in the organisation’s operations. It’s a bit like being a class representative at school,” she says with a smile.

“We are generally well regarded by management,” notes the young executive. Far from being a disadvantage, Audrey sees this involvement “more as a springboard,” because it allows her to “develop her network within the company, with employees, HR, managers, and across all departments.”

However, timing is important if one wants to commit, as it requires a genuine dedication.

This point is crucial according to Henri Vidalinc, Chairman of the HR consulting group Grant Alexander: “Before considering running, it is essential to fully master your role and responsibilities. It is a valuable experience and certainly helps you get noticed, but beware of becoming trapped in this role or turning it into a professional specialism.” The risk is to become fully absorbed in the mandate, investing all your energy and potentially neglecting your own career.

Read the full article on the Les Echos website (subscription required).