The Swiss workweek debate: exploring alternative scheduling models

The Swiss workweek has long been a topic of debate, with many questioning the traditional five-day schedule. While Switzerland was slow to adopt this system, it is now popular among the population. However, recent developments have led to new ideas about workweeks. Some companies are introducing a four-day workweek with the same salary to motivate employees, while Greece has changed its laws to allow some workers to opt for a six-day workweek to address a shortage of skilled workers. This raises the question of whether such measures could be relevant for Switzerland.

Unlike Greece, there were no legal barriers in Switzerland to working on Saturdays. However, Saturday is considered a regular working day by Swiss labor law, which defines workload in hours per week and only requires a permit for Sunday work. The Swiss employers’ association does not advocate for widespread Saturday work as other measures like better integrating mothers and pensioners into the labor market are seen as more effective in addressing the shortage of skilled workers.

The concept of the five-day workweek originated in America in the early 20th century and was gradually adopted by Switzerland. However, increasing wages and a growing desire for leisure time eventually led to its acceptance. In recent years, flexibility in work schedules has become more common with many workers opting for part-time arrangements. While the five-day workweek remains the norm in many industries, there is a shift towards more flexible working time models.

Overall, while Switzerland’s traditional five-day workweek may still be popular among many people, there are alternative approaches that have been implemented by other countries that could be considered relevant for Switzerland. Flexible scheduling models like four or six-day workweeks could provide benefits like reducing stress levels and improving productivity while also addressing labor shortages. Ultimately, it will depend on how these ideas are received by Swiss society and whether they can be effectively implemented without causing significant disruptions or unintended consequences.