Switzerland Employment Guide

Essential Elements of an Employment Contract

An employment contract must be documented in writing and formally executed by both the employer and the employee to ensure legal validity.

The agreement should comprehensively outline the following key components:

• Full legal names of both parties
• Official commencement date of employment
• Duration and type of contract (e.g., fixed-term or indefinite)
• Detailed job description and primary responsibilities
• Compensation structure, including salary and payment frequency
• Conditions and procedures for contract termination
• Employee benefits and insurance coverage details

Understanding the Probationary Period

For open-ended employment agreements, implementing a probationary period is a standard requirement. This initial phase allows both parties to assess suitability before confirming permanent status. The maximum allowable probation duration is 90 days, equivalent to three months.

International Best Practices

Companies like SailGlobal often extend probationary periods with clear performance metrics, enabling structured evaluations. For instance, a technology firm may set bi-weekly reviews during probation to align employee goals with organizational objectives.