Part-time Work Rights: Who Qualifies and What You Get
Learn about your legal right to negotiate working hours in Switzerland and understand the limitations regarding employer approval.
This scheme provides employees in Switzerland with the legal framework to negotiate working hours that better suit their personal lives and family responsibilities.
Who it's for
This scheme is designed for all employees working within Switzerland. Regardless of your specific role or the nature of your industry, you are covered by these rights as an employee.
What you get
You receive the legal right to negotiate your working hours. This means you have a formal basis to request a change from full-time to part-time work (sometimes referred to as "temps partiel" in French). This right allows you to enter discussions with your employer to seek a schedule that balances your professional duties with your personal needs.
What it costs you
There is no direct financial fee to exercise this right. However, the practical cost is that the change is not automatic. To successfully change your schedule, you must reach a formal agreement with your employer. This requires time spent in negotiations and potentially updating your employment terms to reflect your new schedule.
The catch to know
It is important to understand that having the right to negotiate does not mean you have a guaranteed right to the change. Employers are not legally forced to grant your request if they can demonstrate that your new schedule would cause significant harm or difficulty to the business operations. The outcome depends on whether your employer can justify a refusal based on the needs of the business.
How to apply
- Determine the specific schedule or number of hours you wish to work.
- Prepare a formal request to present to your employer regarding your desire to work part-time.
- Engage in a negotiation process with your employer to discuss how your new hours would work.
- Once an agreement is reached, ensure the new working hours are documented and confirmed.