Mandatory time recording in Switzerland: What does the law require?

Yes – in Switzerland, time recording is mandatory in most cases. Employers must ensure that working hours and rest periods can be verified (Labour Act, Art. 46; Ordinance on Working Hours, Art. 73).

What businesses need to know

Many companies still record working hours incompletely or not at all.
This becomes a problem, if not before then, certainly when inspections take place or labour law issues arise.

👉 The key question is therefore: Is time recording mandatory in Switzerland – and what exactly do you need to record?

1. Is time recording mandatory in Switzerland? (Legislation: ArG 46 / ArGV 1)

Yes – in principle, there is a legal obligation to record working hours.

👉 Basis:

• Section 46 of the Employment Act (ArG)
• Article 73 of Ordinance 1 (ArGV 1)
• Details regarding documentation: storage, directories, records
• Official overview: SECO – Time and attendance recording

Employers must keep records in such a way that compliance with working hours and rest periods can be verified.

✅ Important: The main purpose of time recording is:

• the protection of employees
• compliance with maximum working hours
• transparency within the company

>> See the legal requirements regarding documentation, records and files

2. What needs to be recorded? (Start, end, working hours, breaks of 30 minutes or more)

In practice, the following data must be documented:

• Start and end of work
• daily and weekly working hours
• Overtime and time off in lieu
• Breaks of 30 minutes or more

👉 Authorities must be able to check whether statutory working hours are being observed

3. Exceptions: simplified time recording & waiver
Yes – subject to certain conditions.

Yes – under certain conditions.

✅ Simplified time recording >> see more

• Record only daily working hours
• Agreement with staff is required

✅ No time recording required >> see more

possible if:

• high degree of autonomy
• Income > CHF 120,000
• written agreement

👉 These exceptions apply only to a small number of employees

4. How does time recording work in practice?

The law does not specify any particular tool.

👉 are possible:

• Paper
• Excel
• time clock
• Software

👉 The data must:

• in full
• understandable
• be available at any time

5. Benefits of accurate time recording

Accurate time recording offers clear benefits:

• legal certainty
• transparent working hours
• better planning and evaluation
• clear project accounting

👉 It also protects employees from overwork and unpaid work

6. Conclusion

👉 In Switzerland, time recording is mandatory in most cases.

Companies must:

• Keep a full record of working hours
• comply with legal requirements
• be able to provide information at any time

👉 What matters isn't which tool you use – but that time tracking works in practice.

FAQ on the obligation to record working hours in Switzerland

Does every company have to record working hours?

👉 Ja, in den meisten Fällen. Entscheidend ist, dass Arbeits- und Ruhezeiten überprüfbar sind.

Which times need to be recorded?

👉 Start and end of work, daily and weekly working hours, overtime and breaks of 30 minutes or more.

Are there any exceptions?

👉 Yes. Under certain circumstances, simplified time recording or an exemption may be possible.

Do I need software?

👉 No. Excel or paper are also acceptable – what matters is that the process is traceable.

Why is time tracking important?

👉 It ensures legal certainty, transparency and better planning.