The reduction in working hours will be tested with city employees who work in shifts and therefore more likely to be exposed to high levels of stress. In addition to employees in care and support services, this includes people working in cleaning, police or transport companies.
“We urgently need to slow down,” said city councillor David Garcia Nuñez. Many employees today suffer from stress and burnout. “Who, if not the rich city of Zurich, can afford to try the 35-hour week.”
Backed by a left-wing majority, the local parliament voted in favour of the motion for the shorter workweek by 60 to 57 votes.
It is unclear how much this trial will cost. If the shorter workweek was introduced throughout the entire city administration, one estimate puts the additional expenses at CHF110 million ($118 million). Another 1,500 people would need to be hired to fill gaps.
The city plans to evaluate the pilot “scientifically” by analysing not only employee health and productivity but also CO2 emissions due to reduced commutes.
Similar proposals for a shorter workweek with the same pay have been discussed at the federal level. Until now, they have been rejected.
Employees in Switzerland work an average of 41.7 hours per week in a full-time job. It also has one of the highest share of employees working part-time, especially among women.
Several countries and companies around the world have been testing shorter work weeks, including Iceland, Sweden and New Zealand. The idea gained traction during the coronavirus pandemic which has brought work-family balance into sharp focus amid lockdowns and home office requirements.
Living longer: What do you think about the longevity trend?
The longevity market is booming thanks in part to advances in the science of ageing. What do you think of the idea of significantly extending human lifespan?
This content was published on
On Saturday the Lake Geneva, Valais and Basel regions are expected to record the first tropical day of the year, with temperatures exceeding 30°C.
This content was published on
The Swiss economy saw the clouds that had gathered over its prospects lift somewhat in May. However, the KOF economic barometer is still below its long-term average.
Direct operations too dangerous in Swiss landslide valley
This content was published on
By Friday morning 365 people had been forced to leave their homes because of Wednesday's landslide in the Swiss village of Blatten.
Franco-Swiss raclette war set to be settled on Sunday
This content was published on
The battle for the world's largest raclette will be transformed on Sunday in Saint-Gingolph, canton Valais, into a raclette of friendship served at the border.
Flood risk threatens Swiss valley after ‘millennium event’ glacier collapse
This content was published on
Two days after a gigantic avalanche of ice, mud and debris buried much of the village of Blatten in canton Valais, the danger is not over.
Situation in Swiss landslide valley remains unstable
This content was published on
Authorities in Valais said on Thursday that it was still too dangerous to begin clear-up activities around the village of Blatten.
Why burnout is such a controversial issue in Switzerland
This content was published on
Burnout is still poorly understood, despite a new classification by world health authorities. How is Switzerland coming to terms with the syndrome?
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.