Swiss leave
- Maternity: 14 weeks at 80% salary (maternity insurance APG)
- Paternity: 2 weeks at 80% since 2021
- No long parental leave like in other EU countries
- Possibility to extend by employer agreement or temporary resignation
Part-time return
Most frequent option:
- 80%: maintenance of full professional level, 1 day off
- 60%: common balance for young children's mothers
- 40-50%: soft transition, but limits progression
IFRS 2023 study: 78% of Swiss mothers return part-time, vs 12% of fathers. Gradual evolution towards more balance.
The daycare crisis
- Acute shortage in all cities: Geneva, Lausanne, Zurich, Basel
- Waiting time: 18-24 months frequent
- Prices: CHF 130-180/day (before cantonal subsidy)
- Subsidies: by income (0-100% of tariff)
- Alternatives: licensed nanny, day mother, grandparents
Register from pregnancy in 3-5 daycare centres simultaneously.
Salary impact
The maternal penalty exists in Switzerland:
- Mothers working at 80%: -8 to -12% salary vs 100%
- Mothers at 60%: -25 to -30%
- Career evolution slowed over 3-5 years post-birth
- To mitigate via continuing education, visible key projects
Strategic tips
- Prepare the return with the employer 3-4 months before: percentage, hours, remote work
- Negotiate remote work: 2-3 days/week is becoming standard
- Stay visible during leave: follow news, keep team contact
- Funded continuing education: take advantage of return for CAS/DAS
- Support network: parent associations (Pro Familia), local Facebook groups
- Don't hesitate to change employer if return is poorly handled: 30% of mothers change within 18 months post-return
