Lancienneté

L'ancienneté refers to the length of time an employee has continuously worked for a particular employer or organization. In many systems it influences pay progression, promotion eligibility, job security, severance entitlements, and certain benefits. It is distinct from age and from performance-based criteria, though the two can interact in practice.

Originating from the French ancienneté meaning "oldness" or "long-standing status," the concept has been adopted in many countries’ labor practices to recognize loyalty and continuity of service.

Counting rules vary by contract and jurisdiction. Generally, ancienneté is measured as years of continuous service with the employer, sometimes including approved leaves or transfers within a corporate group, and sometimes excluding unpaid breaks. Some systems count part-time service on a pro rata basis. In some agreements, the first probationary period does not count toward seniority until completion.

In the public sector and in many unions, seniority governs pay steps, resignation protection, and preference in layoffs (last-in, first-out vs. seniority-based rules). In the private sector, seniority may determine automatic raises, bonuses, or eligibility for certain benefits and retirement schemes.

Seniorit-based systems are often codified in collective agreements or civil service statutes. They can promote stability and loyalty but may restrict mobility or merit-based advancement and can perpetuate inequities for those with interrupted careers or part-time work.

Practices differ by country: in France, l'ancienneté commonly affects pay scales and pension entitlements; in some Anglophone countries, seniority plays a smaller role and is often balanced with performance. Many employers today seek a hybrid approach, combining seniority with skills and performance.