Navigating the work week in Switzerland requires a clear understanding of the country's unique labor laws. From strict caps on weekly hours to carefully regulated overtime, night work, and mandatory breaks, the Swiss approach to work hours prioritizes structure and fairness. Whether you're an employer or employee, knowing these guidelines is essential to fostering a compliant and sound work environment. Read on to explore the specifics of Switzerland's work week and its key implications for employers and employees alike.
What the Swiss Work Week Looks Like
Working Hours in Switzerland
In Switzerland, regular weekly hours are typically determined by individual employment contracts or collective bargaining agreements (CBA), however, the 42-hour work week is the typical standard across Swiss companies.
The Federal Labour Act caps the maximum weekly working hours in Switzerland at:
45 hours for industrial workers, office employees, technical staff, and salespersons in large retail outlets.
50 hours for employees in other types of commercial enterprises.
Night Work Restrictions
Night work in Switzerland is strictly regulated to protect employee health and ensure work-life balance. Here are the main rules:
Night Shift Duration: Generally, night shifts are limited to 9 hours.
Extended Night Shifts: If an employee works night shifts for only 3 out of 7 consecutive nights, the shift length may be extended to 10 hours.
Additionally, for employees working night shifts on 25 or more nights per calendar year, employers must provide compensatory time off equal to 10% of the hours worked at night.
Overtime Regulations
Statutory overtime in Switzerland is defined as hours worked beyond the daily or weekly limits permitted by law, and should only be worked exceptionally. Specific rules apply depending on the standard weekly hours.
Daily Cap on Overtime: Employees may work a maximum of 2 additional hours per day.
Annual Cap on Overtime:
Statutory overtime must be compensated with a premium rate of at least 25% more than the employee’s regular wage.
Rules for Evening, Night, and Sunday Work
In Switzerland, permanent or regular work during evenings, nights, or Sundays is only allowed if it is deemed necessary for technical or economic reasons.
Breaks and Meal Periods
Under the Swiss Employment Act, employees are entitled to mandatory breaks based on the length of their workday.
Break times are structured as follows:
15 minutes for workdays exceeding 5.5 hours
30 minutes for workdays exceeding 7 hours
60 minutes for workdays exceeding 9 hours
Implications for Employers in Switzerland
Employers in Switzerland are required to adhere to specific weekly hour limits, following industry-specific caps of either 45 or 50 hours, and must ensure these are clearly outlined in employment contracts. Additionally, employers are responsible for managing employee breaks, rest periods, and overtime, carefully tracking both daily and annual overtime within established limits. To remain compliant, employers should also budget for the required 25% premium pay on overtime hours.
