What are the standard working hours in Switzerland?

In Switzerland, the standard working hours are as follows:

• The maximum working hours are 45 hours per week.
• Industrial workers typically work around 40 hours per week.
• Employees in the service and creative sectors generally work around 42 hours per week.
• The working hours must be specified in the employment agreement.

At Velocity Global Switzerland, the practice is to have supported employees work 42 hours per week, which corresponds to 8.4 hours per day.

Is overtime governed by law in Switzerland? If so, what are the specifics outlined by law?

Overtime in Switzerland is governed by law with detailed guidelines as follows:

• Maximum Working Hours: Overtime begins when an employee exceeds 45 hours in a week or 9.5 hours per day.

• Time-Off Compensation: Work between 43 and 45 hours is considered extra hours and is compensated with equivalent time-off within 12 months or a usual payment without additional surcharges.

• Approval Requirement: Employees must obtain written approval from their supervisor to work overtime or, if not possible, immediately after the overtime. Unapproved overtime may not be recognized.

• Conditions for Overtime to be Considered: Overtime must be necessary, not require unreasonable effort, and respect daily rest periods. It is needed to prevent or address operational problems.

• Limitations on Overtime: A maximum of 2 hours of overtime is allowed per day, with additional yearly limits.

Special Provisions for Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA): If the Collective Bargaining Agreement on Staff Leasing applies, different daily and weekly overtime limits and wage supplements may apply. Under the CBA, after 13 weeks of employment, employees are compensated for public holidays equivalent to Sundays, including August 1 if it falls on a weekday.

These rules apply to employees covered by the CBA; different rules may otherwise apply.

How is overtime payment calculated in Switzerland?

Overtime payment in Switzerland is calculated with the following methods:

• Time Compensation: Employers have the option to compensate for overtime by providing the employee with equivalent time off.

• Financial Compensation: If time off is not provided, the employer is required to pay the employee their normal salary along with an additional supplement:
• At least 25% for work performed during weekdays.
• 50% for work performed on Sunday.

For overtime hours worked from the 43rd to the 45th hour, compensation can be at the regular pay rate or through a 1:1 time-off compensation.

These rules specifically apply to employees covered by the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA); different rules may apply otherwise.

How many days before the actual start date should the employment agreement be signed for payroll purposes in Switzerland?

For payroll purposes in Switzerland, the employment agreement should be signed before the start date.

Can employment agreements be backdated in Switzerland?

In Switzerland, employment agreements can indeed be backdated. A written agreement must be finalized no later than 1 month after the commencement date, allowing for backdating of the agreement up to 1 month.