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JOBS

Jobs in Switzerland roundup: Covid certificate may be used in workplaces

Find out all the latest information related to jobs in Switzerland with The Local's weekly roundup of relevant news.

Published: 15 September 2021 12:25 CEST
Jobs in Switzerland roundup: Covid certificate may be used in workplaces
Job sharing is a growing trend. Photo by fauxels from Pexels

Covid certificate may be used in the workplace

From September 13th, the certificate has been compulsory to access almost all indoor areas in Switzerland, including restaurants, bars, fitness centres, sports events, cultural facilities, as well as some gatherings such as weddings in private venues.

To some degree, the requirement also applies to the workplace.

Employers may check whether their employees hold a certificate “if it is used to determine appropriate protective measures or implement a testing plan”, the Federal Council specified.

However, “information regarding an employee’s immunity status or test result may not be used for any other purpose”, the government stated.

It also added that if a company requires the employees to undergo screening, “it must bear the cost incurred of any test”.

Gender (in)equality at work: Yes, men are discriminated against too

It seems that stereotypes and gender roles also penalise men looking for work, according to a recent study by KOF Economic Research Center.

“Men who want part-time jobs seem suspicious to recruiters”, said study author Daniel Kopp.

Why? This contradicts the traditional image of the man as the main financial support of the family — the reason why these men are shunned by recruiters. Often this is not even intentional. “It could be an unconscious reaction”, Kopp noted.

If these men apply for any job that is less than full time, “the recruiter is already suspicious. Their type of education or professional experience is only of secondary importance”, the study found.

A growing trend: should you consider job sharing?

Job sharing in the traditional sense refers to two or more people sharing a full-time position.

It’s a win-win situation for companies and employees alike, according to a report in Neue Zurcher Zeitung (NZZ).

Employers retain workers, increase productivity and have access to a larger talent pool.

For employees, “job sharing reduces the risk of losing one’s job, strengthens know-how through increased exchange with co-workers, and  improves the compatibility of family and work”, NZZ said.

There are no official statistics on how many companies offer this opportunity in Switzerland but the popularity of this option has grown, especially since it can mitigate the effects of the pandemic.

“A job sharing program can be an innovative solution for retaining talent and employees in this time of crisis. Various economists suggest that job sharing can alleviate the psychological problems caused by layoffs as a result of Covid. When companies face the harsh reality of cutting costs through layoffs, job sharing allows them to cut a position or part of a position without having to lay off an employee”, according to NZZ.

Did you know?

Most employers in Switzerland attach high importance to the reference letter of a potential employee.

That’s why all workers in Switzerland are entitled to a reference from their employer when they leave a company, regardless of whether they were fired or leave of their own volition.

 The reference should be truthful and include  factual information such as the type and length of employment, performance, and conduct.

More information can be found here:

Getting fired in Switzerland: The employment laws you need to know about

Useful links

Looking for a job in Switzerland or just want a little more information about working here, then check out the following links: 

REVEALED: What are the best and worst paid jobs in Switzerland?

EXPLAINED: What are your chances of getting a job in Switzerland from abroad?

How immigration boosts the entire Swiss economy

The jobs roundup is a weekly feature and we’d welcome any feedback or suggestions for areas it should cover. Please email us at [email protected]

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For members

GENEVA

‘Things have changed’: Can you get a job in Geneva without speaking French?

Geneva must be up there when picturing an international city where language is no barrier. Does this hold true for those looking for a job? 

Published: 15 March 2024 14:23 CET
Updated: 23 March 2024 08:42 CET
'Things have changed': Can you get a job in Geneva without speaking French?

Organisations such as the International Red Cross, the World Health Organisation, and the United Nations are either based in Geneva or have a significant presence there. 

Furthermore, the Geneva region has a population of over half a million, making it an ideal base for global businesses to reach Swiss (and European) markets. 

There is no doubt that the city is a centre of international diplomacy and business and has been for decades. 

Having said that, how hard is it to find a job in Switzerland’s largest francophone city? Or indeed anywhere in Suisse Romande in general? Do you have a chance of securing a role without French language skills? 

The expert view

Recruiters think you might find it challenging if you’re not planning to work for one of the major international bodies. 

Anthony Caffon, Director of Finance at Michael Page, a significant regional recruiter, told The Local: “From our perspective, as a large operator in West Switzerland, only a few roles don’t require candidates to speak French. 

“A few years ago, there was indeed a shortage of skills in the market, and coupled with major multinational companies located here, companies were open to employing non-French speakers. 

“We now notice a change. French is required in 90 percent of the roles we recruit outside international organisations. 

“Organisations would only take on non-French speakers in some highly technical roles, for which there is absolutely no local talent pool,” he said.

‘It was critical for wider job opportunities’

However, when surveyed, readers of The Local had differing perspectives on whether not knowing French was a hindrance to searching for a job in Geneva. 

Sofia, an American, responded: “It depends on the job and sector. French is desirable but not required for international organisations, NGOs, and many private companies such as EA Games or financial companies like Barclays.”

However, she noted that speaking French became more essential when settling in the country.

“It was critical for my Swiss naturalisation, but also to have a wider spectrum of job opportunities and better working relationships.”

Generally, to apply for Swiss citizenship in the canton of Geneva, one must achieve French oral B1 and written A2, as set in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). 

Michael, who lives near Lausanne, agreed with Sofia, telling The Local: “It depends if you work for a multinational or a local company.” 

“If you work for a multinational or Swiss company, you need French. But you can generally use English in the office at Nestle, BAT, PMI, Novartis, or WHO.”

Another respondent, Phil, believed that speaking French would assist in job searching. 

He stated, “I think it depends on your industry. If you work in the pharmaceutical area, then just English is fine.

“If you speak French, however, I think it’s easier to understand the application process and job descriptions.”

A Briton, Katie, thought speaking French could also help smooth the way when starting a new role in Geneva. 

She responded: “It shows you are curious about where you live. It helps build relationships with colleagues and, of course, for some jobs, it is needed.”

‘You can get by fine’

Those seeking to work in Geneva who don’t speak French shouldn’t fret just yet. 

An anonymous respondent from Ireland told The Local: “Some basic French is needed not to look utterly dysfunctional in casual social settings, but if the business works in English, then that is generally sufficient. 

“Once you can complete the technical requirements of your job well, you can get by fine,” they said.

“Some employers will specify that French and English are requirements on the job listings, even if you only need English to do the job. 

“Not having any French can put people off applying for many openings when, in fact, they might be fine applying anyway.”

What have you experienced finding a job in Geneva? Did you need French skills? Let us know in the comments. 

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