Warm at work, elegance mandatory in Switzerland (cross-border guide)

Di · Published on

Most employees in Europe can wear what they want in the workplace, but in Switzerland it's different.

Context

In a nutshell

  • The Swiss maintain a certain formality in terms of clothing compared to other European workers.
  • No flip-flops and shorts at work, but mostly long pants and closed shoes.

Key facts

  • Nearly half of employees in Europe can wear what they want in the workplace.
  • The Swiss more often wear long trousers (60%) and closed shoes (56%) to go to work.
  • In Germany, men dress more informally: they have the highest percentage of both shirts (69%) and shorts (38%).
  • In France, they prefer to keep their feet in the air: only 37% of them wear closed shoes.

More: Switzerland is the most conservative country when it comes to workplace clothing.

Most employees in Europe can wear what they want in the workplace, but in Switzerland it's different. The Swiss maintain a certain formality in terms of clothing compared to other European workers. No flip-flops and shorts at work, but mostly long trousers and closed shoes. The navel is then swept away in the wind, especially in contact with customers.

In general, almost half of employees in Europe can, in principle, wear what they want in the workplace. They are not subject to any dress code. Where provisions exist, the most common rules provide for the use of closed shoes and long trousers. Hardly anyone wears a suit anymore

Operational details

Switzerland is the most conservative country when it comes to clothing in the workplace. The Swiss maintain a certain formality in terms of clothing compared to other European workers. No flip-flops and shorts at work, but mostly long trousers and closed shoes. The navel is then swept away in the wind, especially in contact with customers.

In general, almost half of employees in Europe can, in principle, wear what they want in the workplace. They are not subject to any dress code. Where provisions exist, the most common rules provide for the use of closed shoes and long trousers. Almost no one wears a suit anymore (4%).

What about this heat? Compared to the rest of Europe, Swiss people more often wear long trousers (60%) and closed shoes (56%) to go to work. Even in Italy, men wear equally opaque garments on hot days. Shorts, in particular, are not worn in the workplace (16%).

In Germany, on the other hand, men dress more informally: they register the highest percentage both in terms of t-shirts (69%) and shorts (38%). In France, they prefer to keep their feet in the air. In fact, only 37% of them wear closed shoes.

And women? In Germany they cover their feet even on the hottest days. Only 29% wear sandals in the workplace: the lowest value. More than half (52%) of them prefer closed shoes: the highest value. For

Useful tools to protect your net income

To reduce FX leakage, compare CHF-EUR exchange options and banks for cross-border workers.

Key points

If you want to know more about the survey and the dress habits of European workers, you can consult the Galaxus website. In addition, you can use our calculator to determine the taxes you have to pay in Switzerland.

The survey commissioned by Galaxus found that the majority of European workers wear what they want in the workplace. However, in Switzerland it is different. The Swiss maintain a certain formality in terms of clothing compared to other European workers.

No flip-flops and shorts at work, but mostly long trousers and closed shoes. The navel is then swept away in the wind, especially in contact with customers.

In general, almost half of employees in Europe can, in principle, wear what they want in the workplace. They are not subject to any dress code. Where provisions exist, the most common rules provide for the use of closed shoes and long trousers. Almost no one wears a suit anymore (4%).

What about this heat? Compared to the rest of Europe, Swiss people more often wear long trousers (60%) and closed shoes (56%) to go to work. Even in Italy, men wear equally opaque garments on hot days. Shorts, in particular, are not worn in the workplace (16%).

In Germany, on the other hand, men dress more informally: they register the highest percentage both in terms of t-shirts (69%) and shorts (38%).

Source: tvsvizzera.it

Frequently Asked Questions
What are the expectations for workwear in Switzerland?
Workers in Switzerland maintain a certain formality. Long trousers (60%) and closed shoes (56%) are preferred, avoiding flip-flops and shorts. The uncovered navel is generally frowned upon, especially in contact with customers (73% deem it inappropriate), making Switzerland the most conservative country.
How does the Swiss dress code differ from that of other European countries?
Switzerland is the most conservative country when it comes to workwear. While almost half of European employees do not have a dress code, the Swiss opt for more formal attire. For example, in Germany men dress more casually (38% shorts), and in France vests are considered 'à la page' with customers.
Can you wear shorts or sandals in the workplace in Switzerland?
Generally no. The article indicates that flip-flops and shorts are avoided at work in Switzerland. 60% of workers wear long trousers and 56% wear closed shoes. Shorts are only worn by 16% in Italy, suggesting an even lower percentage in Switzerland given its greater formality.
Is the uncovered navel acceptable in a Swiss work environment?
No, it is widely considered inappropriate. 73% of respondents consider it so in the case of direct contact with customers, and 57% even in the absence of such contact. This perception is significantly higher than in Italy, where about a third or a quarter of the population is against it.
How many European workers can freely choose their own clothing at work?
Almost half of employees in Europe can wear what they want in the workplace, not being subject to any dress code. Where provisions exist, the most common rules provide for the use of closed shoes and long trousers. Only 4% of European workers still wear a suit.

Related articles