Under article 335c of the Swiss Code of Obligations (OR/CO), default notice periods are: 7 days during the trial period (probation, max 3 months), 1 month during the first year of service, 2 months from the second to the ninth year, and 3 months from the tenth year onward.
Notice must always be given in writing and the period runs from the end of the calendar month in which notice was received. Employment contracts and collective agreements may extend (but rarely shorten) the notice period; both sides must always have the same notice period.
During notice, both parties must continue normal performance. The employer may release the employee from the duty to work (garden leave) but must continue paying salary and benefits. Pillar 2 cover and accident insurance continue until 31 days after the last paid working day.
An employee in their 6th year of service who hands in written notice on 12 March 2026 sees the 2-month notice period start on 1 April; the contract ends on 31 May 2026. They are paid normally until that date.