In the Swiss hospitality sector, understanding and complying with regulations on working hours and breaks is essential to ensuring employee well-being and legal compliance. Below is an overview of the key legal provisions.
Maximum Working Hours
Swiss labor law sets the maximum weekly working hours at 50 hours for most employees, including those in the hospitality sector. (seco.admin.ch)
Mandatory Breaks
Breaks during the working day are mandatory, and their duration depends on the total daily working hours:
- More than 5 hours 30 minutes → minimum break of 15 minutes
- More than 7 hours → minimum break of 30 minutes
- More than 9 hours → minimum break of 1 hour (which can be split into multiple intervals)
It is important to note that these breaks are not considered paid working time. (ch.ch)
Daily and Weekly Rest Periods
Between two workdays, employees are entitled to an uninterrupted rest period of at least 11 hours.
Once per week, this rest period may be reduced to 8 hours, provided that over two weeks, the average daily rest remains 11 hours. (ch.ch)
Additionally, each week, employees must be granted a 35-hour uninterrupted rest period, including at least one full day (typically Sunday). (seco.admin.ch)
Overtime and Extra Hours
- Extra hours: Working time that exceeds the contractual working hours but remains within the legal maximum.
- Overtime: Working time that exceeds the legal maximum working hours.
Overtime is only allowed in exceptional cases and must be compensated with either a 25% wage supplement or equivalent time off, subject to mutual agreement. (ch.ch)
Specific Considerations for the Hospitality Sector
The hospitality industry often requires flexibility in working hours due to the nature of service. However, employers must comply with legal provisions to ensure the health and well-being of employees.
Additionally, specific agreements or collective labor contracts may outline different conditions, so it is advisable to review such documents and consult a labor law expert if needed.
For more details on Swiss regulations regarding working hours and breaks, you can visit the official website of the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO). (seco.admin.ch)
At Swiss Hospitality Recruitment, we believe that a healthy work-life balance is key to attracting and retaining top talent in the Food & Beverage sector. We help businesses navigate Swiss labor regulations while ensuring they build teams that thrive. Looking for the right hospitality professionals for your business? Get in touch with us today!
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