“We don’t choose to be ill, but we do choose how we face it”

As part of the European Week for the Employment of People with Disabilities 2025, Societe Generale reaffirms its commitment to creating an inclusive work environment where every employee can thrive, regardless of their individual circumstances..

This week provides an opportunity to showcase inclusive and inspiring career paths that reflect the Group’s belief that competence is not dependent on disability, but on creating the right conditions for everyone to give their best. 

Today, read the stories of Sandrine Basset* and Sébastien Pigalle**, who are both employees within the SG network in France.

Sandrine Basset (left), Sébastien Pigalle (right)

Speaking up to get better support

Talking about disability at work is still a challenging step for many people. Sandrine,who has been employed since 2005, recalls: “At first, I didn’t dare mention, fearing I’d be labelled as fragile or lazy.” However, when her health deteriorated, she decided to take the plunge. “I spoke to our social worker, who explained what could be put in place thanks to the RQTH”, she tells us.

Sébastien had a similar experience. “After a day at work, I was in severe pain and exhausted. That’s when I realised that I needed to use my wheelchair in the branch”, he explains.

These stories demonstrate just how important trust is. “Getting help is not a sign of weakness; it’s a positive step for your future”, Sandrine stresses. Sébastien agrees: “Don’t hesitate to contact Human Resources for practical, personalised support”, he says, because taking that first step opens the door to solutions that can make everyday life easier.

Tailored adjustments for peace of mind at work

Once the conversation starts, the adjustments follow. At Societe Generale, these adjustments are designed to meet each person’s specific needs. For example, Sandrine benefits from an adapted schedule: “I work 78% of the time, with two half-days off and one half-day therapeutic teleworking”. Her workstation has also been completely redesigned. “I’ve been given an ergonomic desk, a special chair, and an adapted mouse and keyboard. When I change branches, everything is organised so that my equipment follows me – it’s seamless!” she adds.

For Sébastien, mobility was the priority. That’s why “getting a wheelchair and changing his desk were essential”. Accessibility has even been improved: “The logistics team modified the door by adding an automatic arm”, he explains.

These adjustments are far from trivial; they are essential for maintaining health and performance. “Without all these measures, I wouldn’t have been able to continue my career at Societe Generale”, says Sandrine. Sébastien sums it up with humour: “Without my wheelchair, my day would be much harder. Now I can say everything runs smoothly!”

These practical solutions demonstrate the Group’s strong commitment to enabling everyone to work in the best possible conditions.

An inclusive culture that makes a difference

Above all, inclusion is a mindset, not just physical adjustments. “In a professional environment, what matters is that it is caring and calm”, says Sandrine. She remembers a manager who restored her confidence by saying that he would rather “have an employee who was fully committed at 80%, than someone who was 100% engaged but not committed”.

Sébastien shares this view: “The bank has always been supportive at every level, finding solutions and providing information on available measures”.

At Societe Generale, this culture is reflected in concrete initiatives such as internal networks (Great Minds, Mon Everest, Rebonds), practical guides, conferences… “Today, I think you just need to talk about it. The measures taken by the Group are valuable, and with the new Disability Agreement, we can see our recommendations being considered”, says Sandrine.

Both of them share a powerful message: “We don’t choose to be ill, but we do choose how we face it”. This phrase that perfectly sums up the spirit of inclusion at Societe Generale.

*Sandrine Basset, client advisor at SG SUD OUEST
**Sébastien Pigalle, client advisor at SG GRAND EST