(03.05.2023) Part-time jobs have significantly increased in Switzerland over the past ten years. The Federal Statistical Office (FSO) reports that more than a third of the workforce now opts for part-time work. This type of employment has grown three times more than full-time employment (+14.7% compared to +4.4%).
Between 2012 and 2022, the number of active men working part-time has significantly increased (+43.3%), while this increase has been more modest among women (+7.8%). However, the proportion of men working part-time remains much lower than that of women (16% versus 56.8%). More than three-quarters of those employed at a rate below 90% - considered full-time in Switzerland - are still women, although this share has declined by almost five points over the past decade.
The holders of tertiary degrees are increasingly occupying part-time positions (34% in 2022, compared to 29.6% in 2012). However, those who have completed secondary level II education are the ones who most often choose this form of work (37.9%).
The reasons for preferring part-time work still differ widely depending on gender. Childcare remains the main reason women reduce their employment rate (34.2%, compared to 14.4% of men). Most often, men opt for part-time work to pursue or continue their education (18.7%, compared to 8.3% of women).
Compared to the rest of Europe, Switzerland ranks second among countries with the highest proportion of part-time jobs (37.9%), just behind the Netherlands (42.9%). This figure is significantly higher than that of our neighbors: Germany has a rate of 28.3%, Italy 17.7%, and France 16.4%.
Last modification 03.05.2023