Leave policy in Switzerland

Switzerland is often considered a straightforward country when it comes to employment laws, but its leave policies are rather lean. While there are a few mandatory provisions, like fixed annual leaves of 20 days, maternity leave of 14 weeks, 2 weeks of paternity leave, etc., most of the details are left to employer practices and to carefully structured employment contracts issued to employees. 

For global employers expanding into Switzerland, understanding leave policies in Switzerland is essential for navigating compliance. Misinterpreting entitlements or overlooking cantonal differences can lead to payroll errors and legal risks. 

A workforce management platform like Payoneer Workforce Management can help employers understand and navigate the local laws and implement them accordingly. 

This article outlines the key leave entitlements in Switzerland, common types of leave, and practical considerations for employers. 

Vacation & annual leave in Switzerland

Employees are entitled to 20 days’ paid time off in Switzerland annually. After an employee completes one year of service, they shall get 25 annual leaves in Switzerland per year. 

Public holidays

Public holidays in Switzerland are primarily determined at the cantonal level, resulting in significant variation across regions. However, a few holidays such as New Year’s Day, Ascension Day, and Christmas Day are observed nationwide. 

The holiday calendar for Switzerland shows 12 nationwide public holidays.

Many Swiss events are similar to those in Germany.

Some of the common public holidays in Switzerland are: 

• New Year’s Day
• Good Friday
• Easter Monday
• Ascension day
• Whit Monday
• National Day
• Jeune genevois
• Christmas Day
• Restoration day

Sick leave

There is no standardized law regarding sick leave in Switzerland that all employers across all cantons shall follow. You can define specific sick leave provisions in the employment contract that you issue to your employee. 

Swiss labor law does not set a standard number of sick leave days across all cantons. Instead, sick leave terms can be defined in the employee’s contract. In most cases, employers cover the first 15 days of sick leave, after which national insurance provides support.

Maternity leave in Switzerland

You have to grant paid maternity leave in Switzerland of 14 weeks to employees on account of childbirth. 

Employees are eligible for social security benefits if they have been insured under the AHV scheme for at least nine months before the child is born and have worked for a minimum of five months during the pregnancy, or if they are employed at the time of childbirth.

Maternity leave usually starts from the day the baby is born. In some cases, employees may start it later.

Paternity leave

Employees can take a 2-week paid paternity leave in Switzerland within a duration of 6 months after the birth of the child. 

Other types of leave in Switzerland

You also have to grant some additional leave to your employees, as listed below:

Compassionate leave 

Employees are entitled to a compassionate leave of 1-3 days on account of the death of the employee’s parents, husband, wife, or registered partner, children, parents-in-law, grandparents, or siblings. 

Wedding leave

You have to grant your employees paid leave for 3 days on account of their own wedding. However, in case of the employee’s parents’, children’s, or siblings’ marriage, a single day’s leave is considered enough.

Military recruitment

If your employee is required to attend mandatory military recruitment procedures, you must allow them up to 3 days of leave for it. 

House relocation in the region of residence

Employees are allowed a day’s leave for relocating their household within the region of their original place of residence. 

House relocation further away from the region of residence

In case an employee is relocating to a place that is further away from the employee’s initial place of residence, you shall have to provide leave for 1.5 to 2 days.

Time required to look for a job after cancellation

After an employment contract is dismissed, you have to allow a buffer period of 2 days to help the employee look for a new job. 

Explore Payoneer Workforce Management in Switzerland

Following leave policies in Switzerland is important for both employers and employees to navigate compliance with local regulations. 

As leave entitlements may vary based on employment contracts, collective agreements, and cantonal practices, failure to adhere to applicable requirements can lead to legal and financial implications.

Payoneer Workforce Management supports leave management in Switzerland by helping employers navigate varying leave provisions and maintain accurate employee entitlements. 

The workforce management platform assists with onboarding, payroll management, time-off tracking, and overall workforce management.

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