Short-time work in Switzerland: salary calculator
Calculate your salary for short-time work in Switzerland here. You’ll also find information on short-time work with examples. Tip: to use the calculator, have your most recent payslip to hand.
Effect of short-time work on your salary
| Salary for work carried out | CHF 0 |
| Short-time work compensation | CHF 0 |
| Gross salary during short-time work | CHF 0 |
| Payroll deductions | CHF 0 |
| Net salary during short-time work | CHF 0 |
| Net salary without short-time work | CHF 0 |
| Loss due to short-time work | CHF 0 |
1. What is short-time work?
Companies have various operational risks that they usually have to bear themselves. However, if companies come under economic pressure due to extraordinary reasons, there is the option of short-time work.
Short-time work is a tool that allows companies to temporarily reduce employees’ working hours, or to suspend work completely for a limited time. The goal: avoiding redundancies.
How it works
Employees receive at least 80% of their salary from their employer.
Hours worked are to be remunerated in full, while hours lost due to short-time work are paid at 80% of the normal rate.
The responsible unemployment fund will reimburse the company for 80% of the hours lost.
Social security deductions such as OASI contributions and occupational pension contributions are still to be paid in full by the employer.
Wage cap: a maximum of 12,350 francs per month are insured.
The canton’s unemployment fund pays a maximum of 12 monthly contributions over a two-year period. If more than 85% of work is lost, a maximum of four months is covered.
Upon request, the unemployment fund may pay an advance to the company.
2. Who is entitled to short-time work compensation?
As a rule, employees in permanent and ongoing employment are entitled to benefits.
People in temporary employment and apprentices do not receive short-time work compensation. In the case of fixed-term employment, early termination is usually not possible. For companies, this means full salaries have to be paid.
Can employees reject short-time work?
Yes. In principle, consent is required for short-time work. This means that if the employee does not give their consent, the employer must continue to pay their full salary. However, depending on the situation, the employee runs the risk of dismissal.
How do I register for short-time work?
Companies must register planned short-time work with the competent authority of the canton at least ten days before it starts. In justified exceptional cases, the deadline is three days. You do not need to do anything as an employee.
What requirements must be fulfilled?
The cantonal authority will examine the application for reduced working hours. The following prerequisites apply, among others:
The absence from work must be extraordinary and temporary.
As a rule, there must be economic reasons for the absence from work.
Reduced work that is due to official measures or other circumstances beyond the employer’s control are also recognized.
The short-time work is used to secure jobs.
Working hours and downtime must be documented.
3. Examples: short-time work calculation
Example 1: 50% absence from work
Imagine that a company has had to introduce short-time work. A 50% reduction in work is required. In addition to approval by the cantonal authority, all employees must agree. The person in the example normally earns 6,000 francs net per month and works full-time.
| Status | Salary |
|---|---|
| Previous net salary working full time | CHF 6,000 |
| Working hours: 50% of normal | CHF 3,000 |
| 50% absence from work (80% covered by unemployment insurance) |
CHF 2,400 |
| Net salary during short-time work | CHF 5,400 |
Example 2: complete loss of work
Imagine that a company requires a complete cessation of work. In addition to approval by the cantonal authority, all employees must agree. The person in the example normally earns 6,000 francs net per month and works full-time.
| Status | Salary |
|---|---|
| Previous net salary working full time | CHF 6,000 |
| 100% absence from work (80% covered by unemployment insurance) |
CHF 4,800 |
| Net salary during short-time work | CHF 4,800 |
4. Disclaimer
Use of the short-time work calculator at comparis.ch is free of charge. The calculation is performed anonymously. Individual factors may play a role when calculating short-time work compensation. Your exact personal circumstances may not be reflected in this calculator. The result calculated for short-time work is not legally binding.