Switzerland is one of those European countries with an advanced and diverse economy. It also boasts stunning scenery and high living standards, making it potentially attractive for those seeking to work abroad as private household staff.
As private household staff, you will provide various services to a household. Examples are caretakers, babysitters, cleaning people, and housekeepers.
To help you decide if working as a private household staffer in Switzerland is the right choice, read on to find out why Switzerland is becoming the hotspot for private household staff.
One of the most appealing aspects of moving to Switzerland is its exceptional lifestyle. Thanks to the tolerance and respect people show towards each other, the lifestyle in Switzerland is good. Although not very sociable, the Swiss people are naturally polite. Greeting strangers on the streets, including foreigners, is the way of life here. Aside from friendliness, the Swiss have a good amount of social niceties. For instance, they bring gifts when invited to a home and call before showing up.
Spending time in nature and getting enough rest is a significant part of the Swiss lifestyle. While they are very productive during the week, they find time to relax and spend time outdoors on weekends. The Swiss people are serious about embracing a good work-life balance. You will be entitled to paid leave when working as private household staff in Switzerland. Therefore, you will have enough time to explore the country and enjoy Switzerland's stunning landscapes.
Most Swiss are fans of outdoor activities, especially hiking. The country has numerous well-marked hiking routes, which you can take advantage of when working in Switzerland. It is a country where older people try to keep fit by hiking during their free time.
One thing that makes Switzerland enticing to foreigners is its education system. The country has the world's best education system, and you can take advantage of this if you want to study while working in Switzerland. If you plan to bring your kids, you will find various excellent education options. Switzerland's school year is from September to June, and kids between 5 and 15 must attend school.
Swiss schools focus on providing the best quality of education for better employment opportunities. The state-funded schools are excellent, and the tuition is free. Sending your kids to these schools is a good option if you plan to settle in Switzerland long-term or if your kids are young enough to assimilate and quickly pick up the language.
The private schools in Switzerland are also excellent. Although they come with high fees, they are worth investing in. Some boast international reputations and have outstanding extracurricular facilities to give your kids an exceptional learning experience.
Cities with vast populations of ex-pats, such as Zurich and Geneva, offer an excellent selection of international schools, which are great for those who plan to stay in the country for a short time but want their kids to study in the same curriculum as their home country.
Switzerland has private and public medical facilities. However, the differences in the services are small. You can expect a quality standard of healthcare from both facilities. The public hospitals in Switzerland are clean and modern, with almost no waiting times. In addition, most staff are fluent in English and are committed to providing the best service.
Even basic government insurance policies can cover most treatments, but you will pay extra for specialist procedures. The waiting times at private hospitals are shorter. Treatments can cost more, but only comprehensive medical insurance policies can cover them. Switzerland also has several private clinics that provide specialised services.
All residents must have medical insurance, and you should have coverage within three months of arriving in the country. Basic medical insurance will differ from one district to the next, and they will deduct contributions from your salary. Private insurance is required for dental services and optional extras.
Switzerland also provides an abundance of career options for healthcare professionals in a system noted for its quality and efficiency. Working with a specialized private household healthcare recruiter to handle this system efficiently can be your first step towards a successful career in Swiss healthcare.
As a multi-national country, Switzerland is home to expats from many different countries worldwide. In fact, about 20% of the country's population are temporary foreign workers and residents. Because of this diversity, Switzerland has four official languages: French, Italian, German, and English.
Most locals speak English, so you will not have difficulty communicating with your employers, but it's worth learning the local language of the household you will be working for.
Switzerland's culture is defined by its diversity as a result of its placement at the crossroads of several great European countries. Aside from its four national languages, Switzerland has numerous dialects in every region. The customs, culture, and traditions differ from one region to another.
There's also a distinction in the culture of people from the mountainous areas and those in the central plateau, which means that life in the Swiss Alps is different from that of the big and bustling cities. Despite the increasing number of expats and flourishing tourism, Switzerland has managed to maintain many of its local traditions and customs.
Another quality that makes Switzerland a great place for family-friendliness. Swiss families can be diverse. Most are thrifty and hardworking, having only one or two kids in every household. Many have pets, such as a dog or cat, with whom they show extreme affection.
Most Swiss families would take trips with friends or extended family during weekends and holidays. For most Swiss families, mealtimes like dinner are a time to gather and exchange stories about the day. Thus, everyone must be at home for dinner.
Aside from offering a high quality of life, good healthcare, an excellent education system, and a safe environment, Switzerland offers plenty of family-friendly activities, mostly involving the outdoors.
During summer, parents take their kids on a scenic hike in the Swiss Alps or take on fun water activities in one of the country's beautiful lakes. Switzerland is also a haven for winter adventures, especially in the Alps, home to some of the world's most prestigious ski resorts.
