FAQ
Please find here bellow all the information you might need in particular circumstances. Don't hesitate to contact us if you need more information.
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The right to vacation depends on age and years of service:
5 weeks of vacation for:
- Those under 20 years of age
- Employees with 20 years of service with the same employer
- Those over 50 years of age with 5 years of service with the same employer
A minimum of 4 weeks of vacation for all other cases (from age 20)
These durations are the legal minimum; your employer may grant more vacation time. This is paid vacation; you can request additional unpaid days (requires your employer's agreement). Define the number of weeks of vacation when you are hired, ideally in writing.
As the employer, you are responsible for writing the work certificate. You are the only person who can accurately evaluate your employee. The certificate must be complete and truthful.
Essential information to include
- Your contact details as the employer
- Your employee's identity, including their date of birth
- Dates of employment (start and end)
- Description of the position and duties
- Objective performance evaluation (assessment of the employee's skills, performance, and behavior. This must be worded in an objective and respectful manner)
- Mention of the termination of employment
- Your signature and the date
Important: this is a legal obligation for employers.
According to the Contrat-type de l'économie domestique (CTT) - Article 5(1): “The working week shall be 45 hours per week.” However, exceptions to this provision may only be made in writing.
If you are insured for non-occupational accidents with Chèque service, your employer must pay you at least 80% of your salary for the first three days following the accident.
From the fourth day onwards, the insurance company will pay you daily allowances amounting to 80% of your salary.
If you are not insured against non-occupational accidents, your employer must pay you your salary according to the Bern scale (échelle de Berne). Without non-occupational insurance with us, you are responsible for your medical expenses and must submit them to your health/accident insurance company.
In all cases, you must contact us to file an accident report.
What is the gross salary?
- It is the base salary before deductions.
- Holiday pay or salary in kind, for example, may be added (this becomes the total gross salary).
- It is used as a reference to calculate:
- Social security contributions
- Compensation (accident, illness, etc.)
- Social benefits
What is net salary?
- Total gross salary minus social security contributions
- This is the amount your employee receives after social security contributions have been deducted.
- AVS/AI/APG contributions
- Unemployment insurance
- Non-occupational accident insurance
Important :
- The reference net salary for Chèque Service is the net salary paid.
- Chèque Service calculates all salaries based on a total gross salary determined upon enrollment.
- Deductions are detailed on the monthly pay slip and the calculation of charges.
Yes, vacations are mandatory. They cannot be replaced by financial compensation. They are intended to allow your employee to rest and recover; it is a matter of health. It is your responsibility to ensure that they are taken.
Important:
- Ensure that your employee actually takes their vacation during the year, taking into account that they may have several employers.
- The law requires a minimum of two consecutive weeks per year.
Yes, vacations are mandatory. They cannot be replaced by financial compensation. They are for your rest and recovery; it is a matter of health.
Important:
- Plan your vacations in agreement with your various employers.
- You are entitled to a minimum of two consecutive weeks per year.
Employees must apply using the registration form or by contacting us at 022 301 73 16 or directly via our contact form.
For information, only one application can be made per family.
Where possible, your employee must inform you and contact Chèque service within three days of the accident to report it, even if they do not have a medical certificate. The insurance covers medical expenses and any bills related to the accident.
Please note that for an employment contract of less than 8 hours, your employee is only covered for work-related accidents. For a contract of 8 hours or more, your employee is covered for work-related and non-work-related accidents by SUVA.
As an employee, you contribute to the following social insurance schemes from your very first franc earned:
Compulsory basic insurance
- Old Age and Survivors' Insurance, Disability Insurance, Loss of Earnings Insurance (AVS/AI/APG)
- Unemployment Insurance (AC)
- Maternity Insurance (Canton of Geneva)
These three types of insurance are solidarity-based: everyone contributes to protect everyone.
Depending on your situation
- Non-Occupational Accident Insurance (AANP) → Only if you work at least 8 hours per week for the same employer
- Occupational Pension Plan (LPP) → If your gross annual salary exceeds CHF 22'680 (2026) with the same employer
- Loss of Earnings Insurance due to Illness (APGM) → Unless otherwise specified in writing by your employer
- Withholding tax → Depending on your work permit and marital status
These contributions, which are essential for your protection and to prepare for your retirement, are detailed each month on your pay slip.
Important: Occupational Accident Insurance (AAP) is mandatory and paid for by your employer's social security contributions.
No, vacation dates must be agreed upon mutually, as you must be able to take consecutive days off.
Your needs and those of your employers must be taken into account in the planning. However, vacations planned by the employer in advance (more than three months) are acceptable.
To find the right person legally, we recommend our partner Ménage emploi.
The advantages:
- Candidates who have already been met and interviewed
- People authorized to work in Geneva
- Profiles that match your needs
How to proceed:
- Contact Ménage Emploi.
- Explain your specific needs:
- Desired schedule
- Type of tasks
- Frequency of service
- They will offer you several suitable profiles.
Important: working with someone who is legally compliant protects you and guarantees a peaceful working relationship.
No, you are protected against dismissal during your sick leave.
The duration of protection depends on your length of service:
- 1st year: 1 month
- 2nd to 5th year: 3 months
- From the 6th year onwards: 6 months
Any termination during this period is void; the contract can only be terminated at the end of the protection period, which begins on the first day of sick leave. For assistance, contact Chèque service.
Important:
- Be proactive and submit your sick notes
- At the end of your sick leave, offer your services to your employer
If the job was related to the person, such as personal care or personal assistance:
- The contract automatically ends on the date of the employer's death.
- For more information, contact Chèque service.
If the work is not directly related to the person (housework, gardening, etc.), the contract does not automatically end. It continues without any explicit action.
Legal deadlines must be respected in the event of dismissal:
- 1st year: 1 month to the end of a month
- 2nd to 9th year: 2 months to the end of a month
- From the 10th year onwards: 3 months to the end of a month
Important:
- The heirs take over the employer's obligations.
- Salary is due during the notice period, if applicable.
Your employers must pay at least 80% of your salary for the first three days following the accident, provided that these days fall on working days (Saturday and Sunday count as part of the three days).
For example: If you have an accident on a Friday, the three days are Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. You will receiveat least 80% of your salary only for the scheduled working days.
From the fourth day onwards, the accident insurance (SUVA) will pay you daily allowances directly, amounting to 80% of your salary.