The employment contract

When hiring a new employee, the first step is to conclude an employment contract. Here you will find everything you need to know about the contract, company regulations, the expense policy and our templates.

Content and form of the contract

An employment contract may be concluded orally, in writing or tacitly. To avoid misunderstandings, the written form is strongly recommended. The employee may also request it at any time.

By signing the contract, the employer undertakes to pay the salary, cover social security contributions and grant paid leave. The employee undertakes to perform the agreed work and is subject to duties of loyalty and care.

An employment contract must at least include:

• Name and address of employee and employer
• Position and responsibilities
• Start date and duration of employment
• Gross salary, statutory deductions, allowances, 13th salary
• Employment level, weekly working hours, overtime, night work
• Notice period in accordance with Art. 335a ff. CO
• Vacation, public holidays and leave days
• The contract only takes effect if any required work permits under foreign nationals law are obtained. It must also be checked whether the company is subject to a collective bargaining agreement (CBA); if so, its provisions apply.

Where to obtain an employment contract?

An employment contract can be short or very detailed. In practice, many companies use standard templates that they adapt to their size and the position. Start-ups and small companies often use templates without needing a legal specialist.

Individual contract and company regulations

There are two approaches:

1. The contract only regulates individual points for each employee, while company regulations set the general rules (working hours, vacation, compensation, etc.). Result: short contract, longer regulations.
2. The contract covers all points individually, and the regulations are brief or non-existent. Result: longer contract, more adjustments for each hire.
3. Both approaches are legally valid; the employer decides which to use.

The quitt Business templates

Our clients receive the same documents we use internally:

• An individual contract covering only the essentials
• Company regulations that apply to everyone, from apprentices to management
• A transparent expense policy
• These templates were developed together with LEXR Law Switzerland AG. They are proven, fair, and require minimal updates.

Automation with quitt Business

Our system automatically generates employment contracts, company regulations and expense policies. You can also download and adapt our templates, or use your own documents.

👉 Download our free document templates here
More information on the structure of our contracts
FAQ on private employment law (in German)
More information on collective labor agreements (in German)