How do I terminate my household helper?

If you need to terminate the employment of your household help, you should take the following steps to ensure compliance with Swiss labor law and maintain a positive relationship with your employee:

1. Provide written notice of termination with reasonable notice period according to Swiss law and the terms of the employment contract. The notice period varies depending on the length of employment and is set out in your employment contract or collective bargaining agreement.

2. State the reasons for termination in the written notice, such as poor performance, misconduct, or dismissal.

The termination letter must contain the following elements:

- the date on which the notice is issued;
- the name and address of the employer;
- the name and address of the household help;
- the reason for termination;
- the effective date of termination;
- the notice period.

3. It is recommended to submit termination notice in writing. The termination only becomes legally effective when the employee has received it. If you send the termination notice by post to your employee, it is best to send it by registered mail. If the termination is handed over directly at the workplace, a short written receipt can serve as confirmation of receipt.

4. Pay all outstanding wages owed to your employee, including overtime.

5. Ask your employee to return all keys or materials provided by you before their last day of work.

Please note that even for employees in private households, there is protection against termination. This applies during military or civil service, illness, pregnancy, or in the event of an accident, as well as during civilian protection. Your household help is protected during the period of work incapacity and can return to work after recovery.