Switzerland is consistently ranked among the top countries globally for employment flexibility and business-friendly labor regulations. This guide outlines the key aspects of Swiss employment law that business owners and employers need to know.

1. Key Features of Swiss Employment System

  • Highly flexible employment framework
  • Low incidental wage costs
  • Minimal strike activity compared to other European countries
  • Strong protections for both employers and employees
  • Efficient dispute resolution system

2. Employment Contract Requirements

  • Written Documentation Required
  •  Names of parties
  •  Start date
  •  Job description
  •  Weekly working hours
  •  Salary and benefits
  •  Any special conditions

While verbal contracts are legally valid, written contracts are strongly recommended to avoid future disputes.

3. Working Time and Leave

Hours

  •  Maximum 45-50 hours per week (varies by industry)
  •  Extra 25% compensation for overtime

Required breaks:

  •  15 minutes (5.5-hour workday)
  •  30 minutes (7-hour workday)
  •  60 minutes (9-hour workday)

4. Leave Entitlements

  •  Minimum 4 weeks paid vacation annually
  •  Maternity leave: 14 weeks at 80% pay
  •  Paternity leave: 2 weeks at 80% pay
  •  Sick leave based on years of service
  •  Special protection during pregnancy and 16 weeks after birth

5. Termination Regulations

Notice Periods

  •  First year: 1 month
  •  2-9 years: 2 months
  •  10+ years: 3 months
  •  Probation period: 7 days

Protection Against Dismissal

Employees cannot be dismissed during:

  •  Pregnancy and 16 weeks after birth
  •  Protected illness periods (varying by length of service)

Need Expert Guidance?

SIGTAX provides comprehensive employment law services in Switzerland:

  •   Contract drafting and review
  •   Compliance consultation
  •   Work permit assistance
  •   Employment dispute resolution
  •   Data protection compliance
  •   Termination procedures

Our multilingual team of experts ensures your business operations remain fully compliant while maximizing the flexibility offered by Swiss employment law.

Contact us for:

  •  Personalized consultation
  •  Contract review
  •  Compliance assessment
  •  Ongoing support

With SIGTAX as your partner, you can confidently navigate Swiss employment regulations while focusing on your business growth.

*Note: This overview is for informational purposes only. For specific situations, we recommend scheduling a consultation with our legal experts.*