Working Hours and Overtime in Switzerland

What Are the Standard Working Hours in Switzerland?

In Switzerland, the standard working hours vary based on the industry and the nature of the work. Employees aged 18 and older are permitted to work up to 45 hours per week in industrial companies, office staff, technical staff, and other employees, including sales staff in large retail companies.

For other employees, the maximum is 50 hours per week. A minimum meal interval of 30 minutes must be observed by employees who work more than 5.5 hours in a day. Typical working hours are Monday through Friday, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Most employees typically work a standard week of 40 to 42 hours.

Maximum Working Hours in Switzerland

The legal cap on working hours in Switzerland is 45 hours per week for industrial workers, office employees, technical staff, and salespersons in large retail outlets. For other commercial enterprises, the maximum is 50 hours per week. Overtime is permitted only under exceptional circumstances, such as urgent deadlines or when extra staff are unavailable.

Employees must not suffer physical or psychological overwork, and the law on employment must be respected, notably the maximum duration of a working week.

Industry-Specific Exceptions

Certain industries in Switzerland have unique working hour regulations due to the nature of their operations. For example, healthcare professionals, such as doctors and nurses, may have extended working hours to accommodate patient care needs. Similarly, employees in the transportation sector, including truck drivers and train operators, may have specific regulations regarding rest periods and maximum driving hours to ensure safety.

These exceptions differ from standard working hours and are designed to meet the operational demands of these sectors while ensuring employee well-being.

Managerial and Exempt Employees

Managerial and exempt employees in Switzerland are typically those in positions with significant decision-making authority and higher salaries. Under labor laws, these employees may not be subject to standard working hour regulations. They are often expected to work beyond the standard hours without additional compensation, as their roles are considered to include a higher degree of responsibility and autonomy.

However, this can vary depending on the specific terms outlined in their employment contracts.

Statutory Full-Time Working Hours in Switzerland

In Switzerland, full-time employment is generally defined as working between 40 and 44 hours per week, depending on the industry and the specific employment contract. These hours are applied across various sectors, with the understanding that certain industries may have specific regulations or exceptions based on operational needs. Employers and employees should refer to their individual contracts and applicable collective agreements to determine the exact working hours.

Overtime Regulations in Switzerland

What Counts as Overtime in Switzerland?

Overtime in Switzerland refers to work performed beyond the standard working hours as defined by the employment contract or collective bargaining agreement. This includes hours worked beyond the daily or weekly limits permitted by law. Overtime must be compensated either through additional pay or time off, as agreed upon in the employment contract or collective agreement.

Maximum Overtime in Switzerland

In Switzerland, employees may work a maximum of 2 additional hours per day. The annual cap on overtime is 170 hours for employees with a standard 45-hour workweek and 140 hours for those with a 50-hour workweek. Overtime must be compensated with a premium rate of at least 25% more than the employee’s regular wage.

Overtime Payout Rates in Switzerland

Overtime compensation in Switzerland is mandated by law. Overtime pay must include a supplement of at least 25% above the normal hourly wage. However, collective labor agreements or individual employment contracts may specify alternative arrangements, provided they are not less favorable to the employee.

Rest Periods and Breaks in Switzerland

In Switzerland, employees are entitled to mandatory breaks based on the length of their workday. For workdays exceeding 5.5 hours, a 15-minute break is required. For workdays exceeding 7 hours, a 30-minute break is required. For workdays exceeding 9 hours, a 60-minute break is required. These breaks are designed to support the physical and mental recovery of the worker.

Night Shifts and Weekend Regulations

In Switzerland, work performed between 6:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. is considered daytime work, and work performed between 8:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. is considered evening work. Both types of activities are not subject to authorization. Evening work can only be implemented by the employer after consulting with the workers’ representation within the company, or if that is not possible, with the workers themselves. Night work is subject to authorization (except for companies subject to special agreements). The employer must grant a 25% wage increase to the employee who performs night work on a temporary basis. In the case of regular or periodic night work, the worker is entitled to time off equivalent to 10% of the duration of such work. This compensatory time off must be granted within one year.

How Playroll Simplifies Employer Responsibilities and Compliance

Expanding your workforce across international borders is an exciting step, but it can be challenging to keep up with ever-changing local labor laws and regulations in different countries. That’s the advantage of using an Employer of Record like Playroll:

• ‍Scale your global team: Legally hire and swiftly onboard new hires in 180+ regions without the red tape by offloading the HR admin to Playroll, so you can freely explore new markets and focus on growth.
• Stay compliant: Our built-in compliance checks and vetted contracts mean your agreements will always meet all legal requirements for working hours, overtime regulations, and more.
• ‍Pay your team accurately: Ensure your international employees and global contractors are paid on time, every time, and set up centralized global payroll processes.