Swiss Employment Law - What Every Worker Should Know

Understanding Your Rights as a Swiss Worker

Switzerland's employment laws protect both employers and employees, but navigating them requires understanding your rights and obligations. This guide covers the essential employment law topics every Swiss worker should understand: contracts, probation periods, notice requirements, working time regulations, holidays, and sick leave.

The Employment Contract (Arbeitsvertrag)

Swiss employment relationships are governed by the Code of Obligations (Obligationenrecht, OR). While oral employment contracts are legally valid, written contracts are standard practice and strongly recommended.

What must be in your contract? Names and addresses, start date, job title, salary, working hours, holiday entitlement, and notice period.

Probation Periods (Probezeit)

Most Swiss employment contracts include a probation period of one to three months allowing either party to terminate with short notice. Notice during probation is typically seven days.

Notice Periods (Kündigungsfrist)

Article 335c OR defines statutory minimum notice periods: seven days during probation, one month in the first year, two months through the ninth year, and three months after nine years of service. Notice must end on the last day of a month.

Working Time Regulations (ArG)

The Swiss Labour Act regulates working hours: maximum 45 hours weekly for most employees, 50 for others. Overtime must be compensated with additional pay (at least 125%) or time off. Mandatory rest periods and breaks are strictly regulated.

Holidays and Paid Leave

Swiss law guarantees at least 4 weeks annual paid leave for employees over 20, and 5 weeks for those under 20. Many employers offer more than the legal minimum.

Sick Leave

If unable to work due to illness, Swiss law protects your salary for a limited time. Inform your employer immediately and provide a medical certificate when requested. Most employers have daily sickness benefit insurance covering 80% of salary for up to 720 days.

How ApplyCH Helps During Job Changes

When changing jobs, managing applications efficiently while understanding your notice obligations becomes crucial. ApplyCH helps you track applications, automatically generate tailored cover letters, and manage RAV documentation if you're between positions.

Know Your Rights, Use Them Wisely

Swiss employment law strikes a balance between flexibility for employers and protection for workers. Understanding your rights empowers you to navigate your career confidently.