Understanding work culture in Zurich
Many expatriates are drawn to Zurich for its competitive salaries. If you're curious about the working conditions and environment in the city, this article will provide useful information to help you get organized and succeed after your move. Here's what you need to know about working in Zurich.
Working conditions in Zurich
In addition to competitive salaries, Zurich provides excellent working conditions. Data from various job search platforms show that the median monthly salary in Zurich is CHF 7,071 (€7,351), making it one of the highest-paying cantons in Switzerland.
Keep in mind that Swiss law does not establish minimum or average wages; these are negotiated between the employer and employee.
When discussing your salary, be sure to consider the high cost of living in Zurich, along with social security contributions, income tax, and mandatory health insurance.
The standard working week in Zurich ranges from 42 to 50 hours, depending on the industry. According to a study by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), only 0.4% of employees in Switzerland work extremely long hours (50 hours a week or more on average), which is among the lowest rates compared to the OECD average of 10%.
The amount of annual leave varies based on factors such as collective bargaining agreements, the industry, and individual agreements between employer and employee. Generally, workers are entitled to a minimum of four weeks of paid vacation per year, which is equivalent to 20 working days based on a standard five-day workweek. Some employees may receive additional days off depending on their seniority or other negotiated terms.
The working environment in Zurich
Many Swiss companies are now focused on creating comfortable working environments for their employees. This includes providing improved workspaces, implementing flexible policies to support better work-life balance, and fostering a more relaxed corporate culture. Some sectors excel in these efforts, especially the creative and IT sectors. Moreover, Zurich is home to many English-speaking and international companies, further contributing to this evolving work culture.
In Zurich, employees typically have an hour for lunch, and large companies with on-site cafeterias often offer subsidized meals. During the summer, many employees working near the lake take advantage of flexible working hours to go for runs.
According to the OECD survey mentioned above, Switzerland ranks 5th in the world for work-life balance, following Norway, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Denmark.
Remote work has been booming over the past twenty years. Before the pandemic, it involved a quarter of the working population. However, with the COVID-19 crisis in 2020, this proportion jumped to 34.1%.
Professional etiquette in Zurich
There are several factors to consider when it comes to staying compliant with Zurich's professional standards.
Dress code
Depending on the industry you work in, you may need to adhere to a specific dress code. For instance, while employees in the creative or IT sectors often have the flexibility to dress casually, those in the banking sector are typically expected to wear formal attire. It's advisable to research the company's culture before your interview or first day at work.
Punctuality
The people of Zurich highly value punctuality. It's important to arrive on time or even a little early for a business meeting.
Precision and rigor
Zurich's inhabitants are renowned for their meticulous attention to detail and their diligent work ethic. It's important to be precise in all professional tasks and strive for excellence in execution.
Similarly, reliability and honoring commitments are essential in Zurich's corporate world. Zurichers highly value business partners and colleagues whom they can trust and depend on.
Respect for hierarchy
Respect for hierarchy is typically observed in work environments in Zurich. It's important to acknowledge and respect the various positions and levels of authority within the company.
Clear, direct communication
Zurich residents appreciate clear and direct communication. It's important to convey ideas concisely and ensure that messages are clearly understood by colleagues and business partners.
