Bellinzona: work-life balance in Rod

Context

In brief

• Motion for work-life balance in the Bellinzona Rod
• Example Canton Ticino with active policies and specific funding
• Political signal for the community and implications for cross-border commuters

Key Facts

• What: Inclusion of the principle of work-life balance in the Rod
• When: April 29, 2026
• Where: Bellinzona
• Who: City councilors Martina Minoletti and Martina Malacrida Nembrini (Left Unity)
• Amount: Not yet specified

The motion presented by city councilors Martina Minoletti and Martina Malacrida Nembrini (Left Unity) asks that the City of Bellinzona promote and commit itself to the reconciliation between private and professional life of its employees. The proposal is to include this principle in articles 3 and 4 of the Organic Regulations for Employees (Rod), following the example of the Legislature which accepted a similar amendment for the Bellinzona Autonomous Elderly Body.

Concrete and regulatory examples

The Canton of Ticino has already developed active policies in this area, recognizing reconciliation as a factor of well-being, equality and economic development. For the four-year period 2025-28, the Canton has allocated a budget of 5 million francs to support reconciliation, especially for parents, with the creation of structures such as nurseries and micro-nurseries and extracurricular centers. For example, the Municipality of Lugano has already implemented measures such as teleworking for 30% of employees and flexible hours, reducing absenteeism by 15%.

Operational checklist 1. Needs assessment: Employee needs analysis through surveys and focus groups. 2. Training of managers: Courses to raise awareness among managers on the importance of reconciliation. 3. Implementation of flexible hours: Introduction of flexible and part-time working hours. 4. Parenting support: Creation of company crèches or agreements with external structures. 5. Monitoring and evaluation: Periodic evaluation of the effectiveness of the measures taken.

Implications for cross-border commuters

For a municipality like Bellinzona, which is a direct employer for hundreds of employees, explicitly adopting work-life balance as a guiding principle means recognizing the importance of the well-being of employees for the quality of public services. In addition, it promotes an organizational culture that can set an example for the local economic fabric and reduce gender inequalities.

"Work-life balance is not only a benefit for employees, but an investment for the entire community." — Martina Minoletti

Comparisons between practical scenarios

• Current scenario: Employees with difficulty managing family and work commitments, resulting in stress and reduced productivity.
• Future scenario: Employees with greater flexibility and support, with improved well-being and quality of service offered to citizens.

Conclusion

The adoption of measures for work-life balance in the Bellinzona Rod represents a significant step towards the well-being of employees and the quality of public services. Following the example of the Canton of Ticino and other municipalities such as Lugano, Bellinzona can become a model for the region, promoting a more inclusive and sustainable work culture.

Operational details

Bellinzona: Work-life balance in the Rod

The motion presented in Bellinzona to include the principle of work-life balance in the Organic Regulation of Employees (Rod) represents a significant step towards recognizing the well-being of employees as a strategic element for the quality of public services. This principle, already adopted by the Canton of Ticino, is considered a structural condition for people's well-being, the quality of work, and social cohesion.

• Work-life balance is fundamental to ensure that employees can balance their work and personal responsibilities, improving their job satisfaction and reducing stress.

Comparison with the previous situation

Before this motion, work-life balance was not explicitly recognized as a guiding principle in the organizational regulations of the Municipality of Bellinzona. The inclusion of this principle in the Rod represents a significant change, aligning the city with the standards already adopted by the Canton of Ticino.

• In 2019, the Canton of Ticino introduced the Law on Work-Life Balance (LConvi), which provides measures to support employees in managing their work time and personal responsibilities.

Future scenarios

If the motion is approved, Bellinzona could become a model for other municipalities in the Canton of Ticino, promoting an organizational culture that values work-life balance. This could lead to greater attractiveness of the Municipality as an employer and a reduction in gender inequalities, as women often suffer the most consequences of poor work-life balance in terms of career, income, and pension.

• According to data from the Statistical Office of the Canton of Ticino (USTAT), in 2020, 44.6% of women in Ticino worked part-time, compared to 22.1% of men.
• The Municipality of Locarno, for example, has already implemented measures to support work-life balance, such as the creation of a childcare center for the children of employees.

Concrete examples

The Canton of Ticino has already launched several actions to support work-life balance, such as: 📊 the creation of childcare facilities and after-school centers; 💡 the promotion of flexible working hours and telecommuting; ⚠️ the guarantee of parental leave of 12 weeks for parents.

• The Convention on Work-Life Balance signed in 2020 by the Canton of Ticino and the employers' associations provides a contribution of 500 CHF per year for each employee who benefits from work-life balance measures.

Operational checklist

To implement work-life balance in the Municipality of Bellinzona:

• Define objectives and priorities;
• Create a work group for work-life balance;
• Develop an action plan;
• Train employees and human resources managers;
• Monitor and evaluate results.

"Work-life balance is a fundamental right for all workers, and it represents an essential element for the quality of life and work." - Giorgia Porcheddu, State Councillor of the Canton of Ticino.

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Key points

For cross-border workers employed in Bellinzona, the adoption of the work-life balance principle in the Rod could mean concrete improvements in working conditions. Here are some steps that employees could take to benefit from these new policies:

Get informed and plan

1. Find out about the new regulations: Check with your employer about the new measures adopted for work-life balance, such as the recently introduced flexible work law in Ticino. 2. Use available facilities: Take advantage of the childcare and micro-childcare facilities and after-school centers created by the Canton of Ticino, such as the 'Nidi e spazi gioco' project in Bellinzona, which offers 30 childcare places and 20 play spaces.

Concrete examples

For example, a parent with a 4-year-old child working in Bellinzona could benefit from a monthly contribution of 600 CHF for childcare, thanks to the new family support regulations. At the same time, they could enjoy a flexible working schedule to accompany their child to school.

Operational checklist

Here is an operational checklist for employees:

• Check with your employer about flexible work possibilities
• Find out about family support structures available in your municipality
• Participate in initiatives promoted by the Municipality to promote an organizational culture that values work-life balance

Comparisons between practical scenarios

Let's consider two scenarios:

• without the new policies: a parent works 40 hours a week and has to pay 1,200 CHF per month for their child's childcare.
• with the new policies: the same parent works 30 hours a week with flexibility and receives a monthly contribution of 600 CHF for childcare.

References and resources

For further information and to calculate the impact of these new policies on your salary and working conditions, you can use the salary calculator available on the site. This tool can help you better understand the practical implications of the new regulations and plan your career choices more consciously. ⚠️ It's essential to note that these new policies have been introduced to improve the quality of life of cross-border workers and promote greater work-life balance.

Source: laregione.ch