Working under pressure – different perspectives on growing stress
The new «Good Work Barometer» from Travail.Suisse shows that the psychological strain on Swiss employees is increasing. While the umbrella organization for employees emphasizes the responsibility of companies and the dangers of longer working days, the employers' association is calling for more differentiation.
The latest edition of the «Good Work Barometer» was published on November 20, 2025. This is a joint project between Travail.Suisse and Bern University of Applied Sciences (BFH), which measures the quality of working conditions in Switzerland by conducting a representative survey of Swiss employees. For this 11th edition, 1,422 people throughout Switzerland were surveyed.
Stress becomes part of everyday life
According to its publishers, the latest «Good Work Barometer» paints an increasingly worrying picture of work under pressure. Four out of ten employees regularly feel exhausted, over 42 percent often suffer from stress, and more than a quarter have to be available outside working hours, according to the survey results. Travail.Suisse clearly sees the cause as a deterioration in working conditions. Excessively long working days, frequent overtime, and difficulties in balancing work and private life mean that relaxation is becoming the exception for many. Travail.Suisse is particularly critical of the relaxation of labor laws currently being discussed in parliament. The publishers of the survey warn that 17-hour days or reduced rest periods would further exacerbate an already tense situation.
The association is also concerned about the growing gap between flexible and less flexible working models. While employees working from home enjoy greater autonomy, those without such opportunities tend to suffer from stress, long working days, and physical strain. Travail.Suisse is therefore calling for binding limits on overtime, more attractive working hours for all occupational groups, and better access to further training, especially with regard to digital transformation.
Employers: Stress does not only arise at work
The Swiss Employers« Association shares concerns about increasing psychological stress, but sees its causes as more broadly distributed. Stress is »multicausal," employers emphasize in a statement also published on November 20. Financial uncertainties, family obligations, social pressure, and private care burdens contribute to this just as much as working conditions. A one-sided focus on companies therefore falls short.
At the same time, employers point to numerous initiatives they have introduced themselves: flexible working time models, home office arrangements, health programs, and expanded part-time options have long been established. Many companies already go beyond the legal requirements, but not all industries have the same scope for maneuver. In areas such as health, care, and security, physical presence and shift work are indispensable—working hours cannot be made infinitely flexible in these sectors.
Controversy surrounding political demands
The employers' association warns that blanket legal tightening is unrealistic and could overwhelm entire industries in organizational terms. It advocates differentiated, practical solutions instead of rigid requirements. Both sides recognize the need for action—but while Travail.Suisse calls for binding limits, employers are focusing on cooperation and flexible approaches.
Sources: Travail.Suisse and Swiss Employers' Association
