Trial Work Day in Switzerland

Duration and Pay Obligation

A genuine trial work day involves brief tasks to assess mutual suitability. Up to 2–3 days can be conducted unpaid if the primary purpose is assessment (not production). From the 4th day onward, or if the candidate produces genuine economic value, a wage must be paid. This principle is derived from OR Art. 320 (factual employment relationship), if a work obligation exists, a wage obligation follows automatically. Unpaid internships that produce real output are legally precarious regardless of what they are called.

Accident Insurance

Accident insurance must be in place from the very first day of a trial work period. If the employer has organised the trial, they must ensure UVG coverage. If the candidate is referred by a school (apprenticeship assessment / Schnupperpraktikum), the school's accident insurance covers them. Employers who fail to ensure coverage are directly liable for accident costs. The candidate should ask about insurance coverage before attending.

Assessment Internships and Apprenticeships

A Schnupperpraktikum (assessment internship, typically 1–5 days) is a common practice for apprenticeship placements (Berufslehre). These are covered by the school's accident insurance and are not subject to pay obligations within the assessment purpose. For regular employment (Fachkräfte), a trial work day beyond 2–3 days must be compensated. Employers who systematically use unpaid trial periods to get free labour can face claims from former candidates.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be paid for a trial work day in Switzerland?

For a genuine 1–2 day assessment, no payment is legally required. From day 3–4 onwards, or if you are doing real productive work, a wage obligation arises under Swiss law. Ask beforehand whether you will be compensated.

Who is responsible for accident insurance during a trial work day?

The company organising the trial must ensure UVG accident coverage. For school-referred apprenticeship assessments, the school covers accidents. Always ask before your first day.

Can an employer refuse to pay for a trial work week claiming it was just assessment?

If you worked a full week performing real tasks, Swiss courts will find an employment relationship exists (OR 320) and order payment of a fair wage. The 'assessment' label does not override actual work performed.