Switzerland does not have a set national working time law. Instead, working hours are determined by collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) between employers and employees.
Working Hours in Switzerland:
- Standard Working Week: The standard working week in Switzerland is 42 hours, but this can vary depending on the industry and CBA.
- Overtime: Overtime is usually paid at a premium rate.
- Maximum Working Hours: There is no legal limit on the number of hours an employee can work per week, but there are limits on the number of hours that can be worked per day (13 hours) and per week (50 hours).
- Rest Periods: Employees are entitled to a minimum of 11 hours of rest between shifts and at least 20 minutes of break time for every 6 hours worked.
- Holidays: Switzerland has 13 public holidays per year.
Factors Influencing Working Hours:
- Industry: Some industries, such as healthcare and hospitality, have longer working hours than others.
- Company Size: Larger companies may have more flexible working hours than smaller companies.
- Employee Agreement: Individual employees may negotiate their own working hours with their employers.
Practical Insights:
- Flexibility: Switzerland is known for its flexible work culture, with many companies offering flexible working arrangements, such as remote work and compressed workweeks.
- Work-Life Balance: Swiss employees are entitled to a high level of work-life balance, with generous vacation time and parental leave.
