Annual Leave Rules in Switzerland

In Switzerland, most employees are entitled to a minimum of four weeks (20 days) of paid annual leave per year, as stipulated by the Federal Act on Employment in Industry, Trade and Commerce (Labour Act). This entitlement applies to full-time employees, and part-time employees are entitled to a pro-rata amount based on their working hours. Employers may offer more generous leave policies, but they cannot provide less than the statutory minimum. It is also important to note that employees must take their vacation within a certain period, typically within the year it is accrued, unless otherwise agreed upon.

Additionally, the Labour Act allows for the possibility of carrying over unused vacation days to the following year, but this is subject to specific conditions. If an employee does not take their leave within five years, they may lose the right to those days. Employers are encouraged to ensure that employees take their entitled leave to promote work-life balance and prevent burnout. For more detailed information regarding employee rights in Switzerland, you can refer to the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) website at SECO.