Wait, what? Woman gets paid for doing nothing for 20 years, she sues her employer for it-- Here's why
Sometimes real life seems stranger than fiction, and this particular incident seems so! At a time when the need for work-life balance, and most employees feeling burnt out has become a matter of great discussion, news is that a woman has now sued her company for paying her to do nothing.
Yes, you read that right!
What might sound like a dream situation for many— getting paid without doing any work — has turned into a nightmare for 59-year-old woman named Laurence Van Wassenhove. She is taking Orange, one of Europe's largest telecom companies, to court, claiming that the company left her in professional limbo for more than 20 years-- by giving her full salary, but no tasks, no responsibilities, and almost no human interaction.
Speaking to French broadcaster FTV, Van Wassenhove described her situation as 'forced inactivity' that made her feel invisible at work.
From being a valued employee to being isolated at work
Van Wassenhove joined Orange in 1993, when it was still France Télécom. After developing epilepsy and hemiplegia — partial paralysis on one side of her body — she moved from her original role to a secretarial position, drawing on her HR background.
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But in 2002, everything stalled. Hoping to transfer to another region, she was declared unfit for the proposed role by an occupational health review. Instead of finding her an alternative, the company placed her on 'standby.' This was the start of a 20-year period of professional exile.
'I was paid, yes — But treated like I didn't exist'
Despite receiving her salary, Van Wassenhove told Mediapart she faced financial difficulties, eviction threats, and severe mental health struggles while raising her autistic child.
The lack of purpose and social connection drove her into deep depression, she said.
Her lawyer, David Nabet-Martin, argues that Orange's inaction robbed her of 'having a place in society' as a disabled person, inflicting lasting psychological harm.
How her employer responded
Orange told La Dépêche it had taken her 'personal social situation' into account and offered the 'best possible conditions' during her absence from active work.
The company says it explored ways to reintegrate her, but frequent sick leave prevented progress.
A long fight for recognition at the workplace
V
an Wassenhove began formally raising the issue in 2015 with the government and the High Authority for the Fight Against Discrimination. She claims little changed, and eventually early retirement was suggested — something she saw as yet another push out of the workforce.
Her case highlights the darker side of prolonged inactivity, challenging the assumption that doing nothing for pay is a luxury. As she takes her fight to court, it could ignite new debates about disability rights, workplace inclusion, and the real meaning of 'having a job.'
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