Night Work Supplement in Switzerland 2026: When does it apply, how much is it and who is entitled to it?

Night work supplement in Switzerland: the key points at a glance

If you work at night, you earn more – that is what the law provides. But when does night work apply in Switzerland? And how high is the night work supplement exactly? This article gives you all the answers: from the legal basis to industry-specific regulations and common exceptions.

Legal basis: What does the Labour Act say?

The basis for the night work supplement in Switzerland can be found in the Labour Act (ArG), Article 17b. This article defines when night work exists and which supplements employers must pay.

Key points from Art. 17b ArG:

• Night work is any work performed between 23:00 and 06:00
• Employees are entitled to a time supplement of at least 25%
• Alternatively, a wage supplement of at least 25% may be agreed
• For permanent or regular night work (more than 25 nights per year), additional protective provisions apply

The law protects your health: night work places a greater strain on the body’s rhythm than daytime work. The supplement is therefore not only financial compensation, but also an incentive for employers to limit night work to what is strictly necessary.

When does night work apply in Switzerland?

The answer is clear: night work begins at 23:00 and ends at 06:00. This time period applies throughout Switzerland and is set out in the Labour Act.

Important details:

• Partial night work: If only part of your shift falls during the night period (e.g. 22:00-02:00), you receive the supplement only for the hours between 23:00 and 06:00
• Early shift: If you start at 05:00, the time until 06:00 counts as night work
• Late shift: If you work until 01:00 at night, the hours from 23:00 to 01:00 count as night work

Example: You work from 22:00 to 06:00 (8 hours). Of these, 7 hours fall within the night period (23:00-06:00). You receive the night work supplement for these 7 hours.

How high is the night work supplement? At least 25% – but there are differences

The law prescribes a minimum supplement of 25%. This means:

• Time supplement: For 8 hours of night work, you receive 2 additional hours of time off (25% of 8 hours = 2 hours)
• Wage supplement: With an hourly wage of CHF 30, you receive CHF 37.50 for night hours (CHF 30 + 25% = CHF 37.50)

Important: This is the statutory minimum. Many collective employment agreements (GAV) and individual agreements provide for higher supplements.

Can the supplement be omitted?

Yes, in certain cases:

• If the salary already includes compensation: If a flat-rate wage compensation for night work has been agreed in the employment contract, the separate supplement may no longer apply
• For management roles: In higher management positions, it is sometimes assumed that irregular working hours are compensated through the salary – but be careful: this must be explicitly agreed

Industry differences: hospitality, care, industry – who gets how much?

Different rules apply depending on the industry. Here are the most important ones:

Hospitality industry (L-GAV)

In the National Collective Employment Agreement for the Hospitality Industry (L-GAV), supplements are clearly regulated:

• Night work supplement: 25% on the basic wage
• Sunday supplement: 50% (applies from Saturday 23:00 to Sunday 23:00)
• Public holiday supplement: 100%

Practical tip: In hospitality, supplements often accumulate. If you work during the night from Saturday to Sunday, you receive both the night work and Sunday supplements.

Healthcare (care, hospitals)

Shift models are standard in care. Supplements vary depending on the canton and employer:

• Public hospitals: usually 25-35% night work supplement, sometimes higher
• Private clinics: often 25-30%, depending on the collective agreement
• Additionally: Sunday and public holiday supplements of 50-100%

Industry & production

In industry, many companies work with 3- or 4-shift models. Typical supplements:

• Night work supplement: 25-30%
• Shift allowance: Sometimes there is an additional flat-rate shift allowance per month
• Weekend: Sunday and public holiday supplements according to the collective agreement or individual contract

Security services & logistics

Industries with a high proportion of night work often have their own collective agreement rules:

• Security services: 25-35% night work supplement
• Logistics/transport: 25-30%, often with additional shift bonuses

Exceptions: When is there no night work supplement?

There are few but important exceptions:

1. Exceptions in the Labour Act

According to ArG Art. 3, some groups of people are not covered by the Labour Act, or only partially:

• Senior management: People with extensive decision-making authority (but this must be clearly defined)
• Scientific staff: In certain research areas
• Employees under public law: In some cases, separate rules apply (but usually similar supplements)

2. Contractually agreed flat-rate compensation

If the employment contract provides for flat-rate compensation for night, Sunday and public holiday work, the separate supplement may no longer apply. Important: This must be recorded in writing and must not put you at a disadvantage.

3. Companies with a permit

In exceptional cases, companies can obtain a permit for night and Sunday work without a supplement – but this is very rare and subject to strict conditions.

FAQ: The most common questions about the night work supplement

Do I have to do night work if my employer requires it?

That depends on your employment contract. If it states that shift work or night work is part of your job, you generally have to agree. If there is no such clause, you can refuse night work – except in emergencies.

Can I choose between a time supplement and a wage supplement?

No, this is decided by your employer or the collective agreement. In practice, the wage supplement is more common because it is administratively simpler.

Does the night work supplement also apply to part-time employees?

Yes, part-time employees are also entitled to the night work supplement – provided they work between 23:00 and 06:00.

What happens if my employer does not pay the supplement?

You can claim the supplement retroactively. Contact your employer first, then the cantonal labour inspectorate. The limitation period is 5 years.

Do I also receive a night work supplement for on-call duty?

Only if you actually work. Pure standby duty (e.g. on-call at home) does not count as working time and is usually compensated differently.

How is the supplement regulated for permanent night work?

If you work more than 25 nights per year, additional protective provisions apply: medical examinations, longer breaks, etc. The supplement remains at least 25%.

Can the night work supplement already be included in my salary?

Yes, if this is explicitly stated in the employment contract. Check your payslip: if it says «incl. night and shift supplement», the supplement is already included. If there is no such note, you are entitled to the separate supplement.

Conclusion: Your entitlement to the night work supplement in Switzerland

The night work supplement in Switzerland is enshrined in law and amounts to at least 25%. It applies to all working hours between 23:00 and 06:00 – regardless of your industry or position (except for clearly defined exceptions).

You should remember this:

• Night work = 23:00-06:00
• Minimum supplement = 25% (time or wage)
• Industry-specific collective agreements may provide for higher supplements
• If you have questions: check your employment contract, collective agreement and payslip

If your employer does not pay the night work supplement, you are entitled to it – and, if necessary, you can enforce it with support from the labour inspectorate.

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