Hiring employees in Switzerland

Download our guide to employing staff in Switzerland

Our team of international HR, payroll, compensation & benefits experts have compiled everything you need to know when employing in Switzerland so that you can meet your global expansion objectives.

The guide covers the fundamentals you need to be on top of, including the Code of Obligations (CO), the Labour Law and its Ordinances, the Law on Participation and The Law regarding the extended application of collective agreements.

In addition to federal employment law, individually agreed contractual terms, the canton specific law, collective agreements also play an important role in regulating employment relationships.

This guidance will enable you to navigate the intricacies of Switzerland’s legislation, ensuring you have the key framework needed to operate compliantly.

The full contents of the detailed guide to employing staff in Switzerland are as follows: 

• Employment of foreigners
• Employment contracts
• Probation
• Remuneration
• Working hours and time off
• Leave
• Social security coverage
• Workers’ compensation benefits
• Supplemental benefits
• Termination of employment
• Discrimination
• Industrial relations
• Data protection

This country guide is intended to be a summary of the major areas of employment law & HR practice and does not constitute legal or HR advice. The guidance was correct at the time of publishing and professional advice should always be sought as specific needs arise.