Understanding Employee Leave Entitlements in Switzerland

Swiss employment law provides a comprehensive framework for various types of leave, ensuring workers have time off for rest, health, and personal milestones. This guide outlines key leave policies that employers must adhere to when managing a workforce in Switzerland.

Annual Leave in Switzerland

Full-time employees in Switzerland are entitled to a minimum of four weeks (20 working days) of paid annual leave per year, as mandated by federal law. Many companies offer additional days as part of their benefits package, which can be negotiated individually or through collective agreements. For example, a multinational firm in Zurich might provide 25 days to attract top talent, highlighting how competitive practices can exceed legal minimums.

Sick Leave Provisions

Employees typically receive three weeks of paid sick leave during their first year of service, with extensions based on tenure. Regulations can vary by canton; for instance, Geneva may have different accrual rules than Basel. Employers should specify terms in employment contracts to avoid disputes. A common case involves long-term employees accruing up to six months of sick pay after several years, emphasizing the importance of clear documentation.

Maternity Leave Rights

Mothers are granted 14 weeks of maternity leave following childbirth, with job protection starting 16 weeks before delivery. Those employed for at least three months prior receive 80% of their salary during this period. Consider a scenario where a tech employee in Bern uses this leave seamlessly, thanks to SailGlobal’s payroll systems ensuring accurate compensation without administrative errors.

Paternity Leave Benefits

Fathers are entitled to two weeks of paid paternity leave upon the birth of a child. This policy supports family bonding, as seen when a logistics company in Lausanne reported higher employee satisfaction after implementing streamlined leave requests through SailGlobal’s HR platform.

Adoption Leave Updates

Introduced in 2022, adoption leave allows parents of children under four to take two weeks off, with 80% of wages covered (capped at CHF 196 daily). This aligns Switzerland with EU standards, benefiting families like those in Lugano who adopt internationally.

Marriage and Bereavement Leave

Wedding leave is often 1–3 days, paid at the employer’s discretion. Bereavement leave, while not legally defined, typically offers 1–3 days for funeral arrangements. For example, a retail chain in Geneva might grant extra days for immediate family losses, fostering a supportive culture.

Volunteer and Public Holidays

Employees under 30 can request unpaid leave for volunteer work. Switzerland’s public holidays include national events like Swiss National Day (August 1) and Christian observances. Below is the 2025 holiday schedule for reference:

Holiday Name	Date
New Year's Day	January 1
St. Berchtold's Day	January 2
Good Friday	April 18
Easter Monday	April 21
Spring Bank Holiday	May 26
Ascension Day	May 29
Whit Monday	June 9
Swiss National Day	August 1
Christmas Eve	December 24
Christmas Day	December 25
Boxing Day	December 26
New Year's Eve	December 31

Navigating these rules requires expertise; SailGlobal assists businesses in calculating leave entitlements accurately, ensuring compliance and employee satisfaction.

Switzerland Employee Leave Guide: Annual, Sick, and Parental Rights