Retirement: Switzerland Wants More Flexibility
71 percent of Swiss people dream of early retirement—but only 26 percent consider this financially realistic. A survey commissioned by Groupe Mutuel and Le Temps highlights the urgent need for reform in the Swiss pension system.
When it comes to retirement in Switzerland, there is a wide gap between dreams and reality. This is shown by a representative survey conducted by MIS Trend between June 19 and 28, 2026, among 1,240 people on behalf of Groupe Mutuel and the newspaper Le Temps. People would ideally like to retire at age 57—well before the reference age and even before the current minimum retirement age of 58.
It all comes down to the wallet
In fact, early retirement remains a luxury for many. While 71 percent of those surveyed dream of it, 38 percent say they want to work until the normal retirement age, and 18 percent can even imagine working even longer. Money plays a decisive role here: For 59 percent of those surveyed, the decision to retire depends exclusively or almost exclusively on financial considerations. «It’s often more a question of ability than a question of desire,» as the survey shows. Health, job satisfaction, and family also play a role, but they are secondary considerations.
Pension systems enjoy public trust—but the need for reform is evident
64 percent of respondents trust their pension system. The third pillar leads the way: 83 percent view its financial situation positively, compared to 75 percent for the second pillar and 62 percent for the AHV. However, this trust is not a blank check: Just 17 percent believe that, without far-reaching reforms, the AHV will still exist in its current form in 20 years. 59 percent expect it to undergo significant changes. «Trust remains, yet the call for reforms is growing louder,» notes MIS Trend.
Work longer? Yes, but not at any cost
Raising the retirement age remains a controversial issue: Only 18 percent of those surveyed support a general increase. 41 percent would approve of it only for less physically demanding jobs, and just as many categorically oppose an increase. At the same time, the public wants concrete measures for older workers: 55 percent are in favor of keeping them in the labor market, and 53 percent support the option of reducing their work hours starting at age 55 or 60—even if this would mean a lower pension. «The model that is emerging is not a uniform retirement age, but rather a gradual transition from working life to retirement,» the survey concludes.
The fear of losing income
A central issue in the retirement debate remains the fear of losing one’s standard of living. At 56 percent, more than half of those surveyed are concerned about their income after retirement. Only 27 percent believe they will be able to maintain their current standard of living in retirement. The survey’s conclusion is clear: People are calling not only for an earlier retirement age, but also for a more flexible retirement system that is more sustainable for society.
Source: www.groupemutuel.ch
