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S U B S C R I B E
WRS stories about workplace
Dateline CH: Why Swiss really said 'no' to more vacation
Thursday, 12 April, 2012
The BBC’s Imogen Foulkes comments on why she thinks the Swiss really voted against an initiative to increase the amount of statutory annual leave to six weeks from the current legal minimum of four. She says it’s because actually, the Swiss don’t really work that hard anyhow:
Thursday, 12 April, 2012
The BBC’s Imogen Foulkes comments on why she thinks the Swiss really voted against an initiative to increase the amount of statutory annual leave to six weeks from the current legal minimum of four. She says it’s because actually, the Swiss don’t really work that hard anyhow:
Strong work ethic leads Swiss to reject more time off
Monday, 12 March, 2012
So why are the Swiss not turned on by more time off? The Swiss have also voted on numerous occasions in the last 30 years against extra statutory holidays and fewer working hours in a week. WRS’s Dave Goodman talks to Hans Ulrich Jost, an honorary professor of history at the University of Lausanne:
Monday, 12 March, 2012
So why are the Swiss not turned on by more time off? The Swiss have also voted on numerous occasions in the last 30 years against extra statutory holidays and fewer working hours in a week. WRS’s Dave Goodman talks to Hans Ulrich Jost, an honorary professor of history at the University of Lausanne:
Bern won't stop employers who pay foreign workers in euros
Wednesday, 21 September, 2011
The National Council continues debate this morning on the government’s 800 million franc economic aid package. It comes after marathon debates yesterday and votes on dozens of proposals to respond to the economic situation caused by the strong franc—including two motions to ban the practice of paying foreign employees in euros. They were rejected by both the Federal Council and MPs. Unions warn the practice could pit cross-border employees against those living in Switzerland. WRS’s Jordan Davis reports:
Wednesday, 21 September, 2011
The National Council continues debate this morning on the government’s 800 million franc economic aid package. It comes after marathon debates yesterday and votes on dozens of proposals to respond to the economic situation caused by the strong franc—including two motions to ban the practice of paying foreign employees in euros. They were rejected by both the Federal Council and MPs. Unions warn the practice could pit cross-border employees against those living in Switzerland. WRS’s Jordan Davis reports:
The Connectors: Balancing work and life as an expat
Thursday, 8 September, 2011
The Connectors discuss whether or not it is harder for expats to achieve a balance due to the demands of work, family and being part of a global working culture that is full of cultural and time differences:
Thursday, 8 September, 2011
The Connectors discuss whether or not it is harder for expats to achieve a balance due to the demands of work, family and being part of a global working culture that is full of cultural and time differences:
Firms raise workers' hours due to strong franc
Monday, 5 September, 2011
Swiss exporters have been complaining for months that the strong franc is squeezing their margins. And more and more of them are now putting the squeeze on employees by asking them to work longer hours. Employers say they need to increase productivity. But trade unions worry the currency woes are simply an excuse. WRS’s Lucas Chambers reports:
Monday, 5 September, 2011
Swiss exporters have been complaining for months that the strong franc is squeezing their margins. And more and more of them are now putting the squeeze on employees by asking them to work longer hours. Employers say they need to increase productivity. But trade unions worry the currency woes are simply an excuse. WRS’s Lucas Chambers reports:
Kids in Mind: Keeping the family connection as a working parent
Monday, 6 June, 2011
Child expert Rachel Melville-Thomas discusses how to make the most out of limited time with kids when both parents have to earn a living. She says even if children tell their parents they don’t mind when parents are away from home, in fact, they do. That’s especially true when parents have to travel for work. Rachel says it’s important to acknowledge kids’ true feelings and not pretend everything will be okay. Regarding childcare, she advises parents whenever possible to keep the same person to look after kids:
Monday, 6 June, 2011
Child expert Rachel Melville-Thomas discusses how to make the most out of limited time with kids when both parents have to earn a living. She says even if children tell their parents they don’t mind when parents are away from home, in fact, they do. That’s especially true when parents have to travel for work. Rachel says it’s important to acknowledge kids’ true feelings and not pretend everything will be okay. Regarding childcare, she advises parents whenever possible to keep the same person to look after kids:
It's the Law: Working as a trainee in Switzerland
Monday, 30 May, 2011
Switzerland has agreements with a number of countries that allow young, qualified, recently-graduated professionals the opportunity to continue their training on the job. However, there are specific Swiss rules regarding who is qualified, how much they are paid, and who takes care of the paperwork. Stéphanie Fuld, from BCCC Attorneys-at-Law in Geneva, sorts out the details:
Monday, 30 May, 2011
Switzerland has agreements with a number of countries that allow young, qualified, recently-graduated professionals the opportunity to continue their training on the job. However, there are specific Swiss rules regarding who is qualified, how much they are paid, and who takes care of the paperwork. Stéphanie Fuld, from BCCC Attorneys-at-Law in Geneva, sorts out the details:
Men want less work, more family time
Tuesday, 15 February, 2011
Achieving a work/family balance is a challenge, especially if you’re a working parent. A new study shows that 90 percent of men surveyed want to cut their hours—despite a lower paycheck and the possible negative effects on career advancement. WRS’s Jo Fahy reports:
Tuesday, 15 February, 2011
Achieving a work/family balance is a challenge, especially if you’re a working parent. A new study shows that 90 percent of men surveyed want to cut their hours—despite a lower paycheck and the possible negative effects on career advancement. WRS’s Jo Fahy reports:
Companies beginning to cope with an ageing workforce
Tuesday, 2 November, 2010
In Western Europe, birthrates are going down and society is getting older. Are we geared up for an ageing and shrinking workforce? Academics at St Gallen University have been studying the challenge in a study called From Grey to Silver—Coping Successfully with the Challenges and Opportunities of Demographic Change. WRS’s Conor Lennon spoke to one of the study authors, Dr. Stephan Boehm:
Tuesday, 2 November, 2010
In Western Europe, birthrates are going down and society is getting older. Are we geared up for an ageing and shrinking workforce? Academics at St Gallen University have been studying the challenge in a study called From Grey to Silver—Coping Successfully with the Challenges and Opportunities of Demographic Change. WRS’s Conor Lennon spoke to one of the study authors, Dr. Stephan Boehm:
New minimum wage ups pay to CHF 18 per hour
Thursday, 21 October, 2010
The Federal Council yesterday fixed a minimum wage for the country’s domestic workers. Beginning next year unqualified workers who work at least five hours a week for the same employer should be paid at least CHF 18-20 an hour—those with four years experience should get CHF 20. And qualified workers should start at CHF 22 an hour. Babysitters and nannies, plus similar jobs in hospitals or care homes, aren’t covered by the minimum rate. Switzerland doesn’t have an across-the-board minimum wage. But under the Free Movement of People accord with the European Union, the federal government is allowed to step in when they suspect wage dumping. WRS’s Jordan Davis spoke with Peter Gasser from the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs, who says studies have found it was indeed a widespread problem:
Thursday, 21 October, 2010
The Federal Council yesterday fixed a minimum wage for the country’s domestic workers. Beginning next year unqualified workers who work at least five hours a week for the same employer should be paid at least CHF 18-20 an hour—those with four years experience should get CHF 20. And qualified workers should start at CHF 22 an hour. Babysitters and nannies, plus similar jobs in hospitals or care homes, aren’t covered by the minimum rate. Switzerland doesn’t have an across-the-board minimum wage. But under the Free Movement of People accord with the European Union, the federal government is allowed to step in when they suspect wage dumping. WRS’s Jordan Davis spoke with Peter Gasser from the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs, who says studies have found it was indeed a widespread problem:
It's the Law: Working on Sunday
Monday, 27 September, 2010
Stéphanie Fuld explains how exceptions are the rule when it comes to working on a Sunday in Switzerland:
Monday, 27 September, 2010
Stéphanie Fuld explains how exceptions are the rule when it comes to working on a Sunday in Switzerland:
It's the Law: Work hours, breaks and overtime
Monday, 20 September, 2010
Legal expert Stéphanie Fuld of BCCC Attorneys-at-Law in Geneva explains the ins and outs of work hours, rest breaks and overtime:
Monday, 20 September, 2010
Legal expert Stéphanie Fuld of BCCC Attorneys-at-Law in Geneva explains the ins and outs of work hours, rest breaks and overtime:
Office romances formally frowned upon
Tuesday, 27 July, 2010
Eyes meet over the desk, hands touch at the water cooler, passion at the office party…It’s easy to see how workplace romances can begin—and companies don’t like it. Richemont, the luxury brands group, has a code of conduct for employees designed to dissuade them from starting something personal with a colleague. If you just can’t help yourself, it advises you to tell your boss as soon as possible. Martin Ammann is an employment lawyer with the Meyerlustenberger firm in Zurich. WRS’s Conor Lennon asked him if this sort of attitude is common in Switzerland.
Tuesday, 27 July, 2010
Eyes meet over the desk, hands touch at the water cooler, passion at the office party…It’s easy to see how workplace romances can begin—and companies don’t like it. Richemont, the luxury brands group, has a code of conduct for employees designed to dissuade them from starting something personal with a colleague. If you just can’t help yourself, it advises you to tell your boss as soon as possible. Martin Ammann is an employment lawyer with the Meyerlustenberger firm in Zurich. WRS’s Conor Lennon asked him if this sort of attitude is common in Switzerland.
Are you more productive at home?
Tuesday, 18 May, 2010
Today is Switzerland’s first ever Home Office Day. Organisers include Microsoft, LeShop.CH, health insurer Swica and Swisscom. Their aim is to help companies get on board with the benefits of work from home. A University of St. Gallen study says if you work from home, you’ll be up to 30 percent more productive. Carla Drysdale speaks to Spokesperson for Home Office Day, Barbara Josef, who says that the reason for this spike in productivity is due to the sharp decline in interruptions.
Tuesday, 18 May, 2010
Today is Switzerland’s first ever Home Office Day. Organisers include Microsoft, LeShop.CH, health insurer Swica and Swisscom. Their aim is to help companies get on board with the benefits of work from home. A University of St. Gallen study says if you work from home, you’ll be up to 30 percent more productive. Carla Drysdale speaks to Spokesperson for Home Office Day, Barbara Josef, who says that the reason for this spike in productivity is due to the sharp decline in interruptions.
Women still lagging behind in Swiss labour market
Friday, 12 March, 2010
There’s still a significant pay gap between men and women in Switzerland as well as an education gap. And while Switzerland ranks high compared to other countries in quality of life and economic competitiveness surveys, when it comes to gender, inequalities are rather high in Switzerland. To look for an explanation—and what could be done to improve the situation—WRS’s Mark Butcher calls on University of Geneva economist Jean-Marc Falter:
Friday, 12 March, 2010
There’s still a significant pay gap between men and women in Switzerland as well as an education gap. And while Switzerland ranks high compared to other countries in quality of life and economic competitiveness surveys, when it comes to gender, inequalities are rather high in Switzerland. To look for an explanation—and what could be done to improve the situation—WRS’s Mark Butcher calls on University of Geneva economist Jean-Marc Falter:
