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    Hachette Livre is the world’s third-largest trade publisher

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Our commitments to our people

A human-centered approach

Quality working conditions, personal fulfilment and employee inclusion are core components of Hachette Livre’s strategy as an employer. In every country where we do business, Group policies are tailored to local needs, while also contributing to the common goal of greater equity, diversity and dialogue.

Promoting employee well-being and engagement

Enhancing quality of life at work 

 

The Group is committed to creating a fulfilling workplace that respects employees’ work-life balance and is attuned to their physical and mental health.

In France, a framework agreement covers four key areas: 

  • work-life balance
  • well-being in the workplace
  • prevention of occupational risks
  • the right to disconnect


This framework is complemented by practical initiatives such as informational workshops, sports activities, mental support services, and in-house campaigns on quality of life at work.

Similar initiatives are found in other countries. In the United States, Hachette Book Group organizes the annual Wellness Challenge, led by the Healthy Hachette network, and offers meditation, sports, and wellness activities. In the United Kingdom, the Wellbeing Employee network promotes mental health and work-life balance in collaboration with HR teams.

Awareness campaigns on sexism and sexual harassment are also held on a regular basis at all subsidiaries, with mandatory training modules for all employees.

Working toward equal opportunities in publishing

Advancing the inclusion and retention of disabled employees


Hachette Livre is committed to promoting the inclusion of employees with disabilities through support programs in every country where the Group operates.

In France, Mission Handicap Hachette Livre, a non-profit established in 2014, leads a network of local liaisons who help employees with administrative procedures and arrange for necessary workplace accommodations.
The association also organizes awareness webinars open to all employees, on topics such as dyslexia, autism, endometriosis, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

A special program held during European Disability Employment Week in November 2025 drew 182 attendees to webinars with Dunod author Virginie Delalande and Microsoft France on digital accessibility, paired with a series of educational videos about disabilities.

The Group also plans to train all its managers in inclusive management, in order to strengthen its hiring and guidance practices. Some 280 managers have completed the training, as of late 2025.

Each year, Hachette Livre takes part in the national DuoDay initiative, which gives disabled individuals the opportunity to discover a profession alongside Group employees.

Outside France

Hachette UK has achieved level 2 in the Disability Confident scheme and is a member of the global network The Valuable 500.
In the United States, training on neurodivergence is offered to managers, and employees have created discussion and support networks.
In Spain, the Plan Progresa program lends support to employees and their children with a disability, through practical measures to promote inclusion at the company.

Promoting gender equality and diversity

  • 57,8%
    of members of management bodies are women, as of 2025, at the international level

In France, Hachette Livre SA scored 95/100 on the gender equality in the workplace index for 2025. In the United Kingdom, Hachette UK collaborates with the Gender Balance Network and ranks among The Times’ Top 50 Employers for Gender Equality. In the United States, 70% of employees are women and the number in leadership roles has risen significantly.

Several subsidiaries have established company networks, mentoring programs and awareness initiatives on diversity. About 1,500 employees participate in 12 active networks as part of the Changing the Story program launched by Hachette UK. The scheme received an Inclusivity in Publishing Award at the London Book Fair in 2024.

Supporting career integration and access to publishing industry roles

 

Hachette Livre strives to ensure its jobs are within everyone’s reach—especially young people from less privileged backgrounds. In France, partnerships have been established with the educational institution Sciences Po and the non-profit Nos Quartiers ont des Talents.

In 2025, more than 100 young people discovered publishing careers at the Vanves site through an event held in conjunction with France’s youth culture pass scheme. Initiatives are also underway with Arpejeh, an association for young people with a disability.

In the US and UK, Hachette Book Group and Hachette UK organize events showcasing diversity in publishing, such as the Latinx Storytellers Conference, Harlem Book Fair, and the Changing the Story Festival. These initiatives are paired with mentoring programs, school visits, and book donations.

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