Paid Time Off

Switzerland PTO Compliance: A Guide for Employers

Paid Time Off in Switzerland is governed by the Swiss Code of Obligations and often supplemented by collective labor agreements (CLAs). Employers must comply with statutory leave requirements and ensure that all vacation and sick leave is tracked accurately. Here’s what you need to know to stay compliant and support your team effectively.

Switzerland pto compliance

Understanding PTO Requirements in Switzerland

Explore the key legal requirements for managing leave in Switzerland.

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Statutory Vacation Days

Swiss law mandates a minimum of 4 weeks (20 days) of paid vacation per year for adult employees working full-time. Employees under the age of 20 are entitled to 5 weeks. Many employers offer additional leave through collective agreements or employment contracts.

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Sick Leave Regulations

There is no fixed nationwide rule for paid sick leave length, but employees are entitled to paid sick leave for a reasonable period, often defined by court-based salary continuation scales (e.g., Berner, Zürcher, or Basler scale). Employers typically cover 100% of salary during the initial sick leave period, and may also provide daily sickness benefits insurance after a waiting period.

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Public Holidays

Switzerland observes federal and cantonal public holidays. Only August 1 (Swiss National Day) is a nationwide paid holiday. Other public holidays vary by canton. Most employers offer between 8 and 10 paid holidays annually, depending on location and agreements.

PTO Carryover Rules

Employees must use their vacation days within 5 years, though company policies may set shorter periods. Employers are expected to encourage employees to take their time off regularly to avoid legal risks.

Swiss Paid Time Off Overview

Key Considerations For Employees And Employers

Swiss labor law requires employers to offer time off and handle it transparently. Here’s what each side should know:

Employers

  • Provide at least 4 weeks of paid vacation per year
  • Ensure sick leave is paid according to scales or insurance policies
  • Honor cantonal public holidays
  • Track leave balances and usage accurately
  • Pro-rate vacation for part-time workers

Employees

  • Receive 4–5 weeks of annual leave depending on age
  • Must use vacation within 5 years (or sooner per policy)
  • Are entitled to paid sick leave for a reasonable time
  • May benefit from additional leave through agreements
  • Should track and use vacation regularly

Swiss PTO rules are defined in the Code of Obligations and vary by canton or agreement. This guide is for informational purposes only. Please consult legal counsel for personalized advice.

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Best Practices for Managing PTO in Switzerland

Apply these strategies to stay compliant and support your workforce.

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    Why Compliance Matters

    Complying with Swiss PTO regulations helps you meet legal standards while creating a transparent and respectful work culture for your employees.

    1

    Keep a Clean Record

    Failing to follow the Swiss Code of Obligations or applicable collective agreements can lead to disputes, penalties, and damage to your company’s credibility. By properly tracking and managing paid leave, you ensure compliance, reduce legal risks, and maintain transparency in your workplace practices.

    2

    Employee Satisfaction

    A clearly communicated and fairly applied PTO policy supports employee well-being. When workers understand and trust your vacation and sick leave processes, satisfaction improves, turnover decreases, and engagement rises. A structured system also helps reinforce your company’s commitment to work-life balance.

    3

    Positive Workspace

    Effectively managing PTO builds trust, security, and collaboration within your team. Employees who feel supported in taking time off are more productive and loyal. A transparent system aligned with Swiss labor norms contributes to a positive, healthy company culture.

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    How TrackingTime Can Help

    Learn more about how we can help you optimize your PTO policies and ensure compliance with Swiss labor laws.

    Effortless Organization

    Say goodbye to messy email chains and manual tracking. With a streamlined PTO management system, you can keep all requests and records in one place, making it easy to approve time off and manage employee schedules efficiently.

    • Quick Approvals – Manage PTO requests fast.
    • Clear Records – Access all time-off data easily.
    • Team Sync – Keep schedules aligned effortlessly.

    Custom Time-Off Policies

    Every company has unique needs, and your PTO policies should reflect that. Customize your time-off rules to match your team’s structure, ensuring fairness and clarity while maintaining flexibility.

    • Flexible Rules – Tailor policies to your team’s needs.
    • Clear Guidelines – Keep everyone informed.
    • Smooth Management – Set rules that work for all.

    Real-Time Transparency

    Give your employees the confidence to plan their time off without uncertainty. By providing real-time access to balances and request statuses, you create a more transparent and trusting workplace.

    • Instant Access – Check balances anytime.
    • Live Updates – Track requests in real time.
    • Boost Trust – Keep everyone informed.

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