Conditions

A number of requirements must be met and a number of framework conditions apply for remote working in Switzerland. These conditions are relevant for all employees who work remotely and who work and reside in Switzerland. Further information for cross-border commuters and working in an international context.

Working remotely in Switzerland must be discussed with and approved by the employee’s supervisor.
It should be noted that the employee’s tasks, working environment and job design, as well as any operational procedures that apply to them, must be suitable for remote work (see guiding questions in Support).
Employees and supervisors discuss the options for working remotely in Switzerland together and agree the conditions verbally or in writing, for example via the Downloadagreement for working remotely in Switzerland (PDF, 51 KB). For employees who have already completed an earlier version of this form, it remains valid and does not need to be completed again.
Working remotely in Switzerland may be agreed for a limited or unlimited period of time.
If an employee is working from home for an unlimited period, permission for this can be withdrawn by their supervisor within a reasonable period of at least one month if circumstances have changed or if legal reasons prevent remote working.

Employees and supervisors are advised to discuss their experiences with working remotely in the annual appraisal interview and to make adjustments if necessary.

The regulations relating to personnel law under the Personnel Ordinance for the ETH Domain (external pagePO-ETH) apply.
The provisions of the Swiss Employment Act must be complied with, specifically those regarding maximum daily working hours, required rest periods, breaks and regulations regarding night work and working on Sundays. Remote work must be conducted during the usual operating hours.
The working hours for working at home are to be recorded according to the same rules as those used for work at the contractually agreed workplace.

Employees are responsible for complying with data security requirements, including when they are working remotely. In particular the regulations of the external pagePO-ETH (professional, commercial and official confidentiality), the ETH Zurich Acceptable Use Policy for Telematics Resources (BOT) and the IT Best Practice Rules apply.

The existing ETH telematics resources are to be used when working remotely, meaning that any infrastructure costs are already covered.

Employees working from home regularly must have access to a working environment in which they are able to work efficiently and maintain their concentration without being disturbed.
Employees should check their workspace at home in terms of ergonomics.
A secure and efficient connection with the ETH server environment must be guaranteed at all times.

Employees must ensure that they can be contacted by e-mail, telephone and/or other technological means during the usual operating hours.
Employees must be present at the ETH workplace on days on which regular meetings and events are scheduled.