Social Aspects

A throng of commuters streaming down the stairs of a railway station.
Switzerland has a stable labour market and a well-developed health and social security system. © Remo Fröhlicher

Thanks to a stable labour market with low unemployment, Swiss salaries are high by European standards. Almost a third of this income is spent on maintaining a comprehensive system of health and social services. 

Switzerland has a stable labour market, low unemployment and a high GDP per capita. Strikes are remarkably rare thanks to a social partnership between employees and employers.

Although Switzerland's high wages are offset by a high cost of living, the average household manages to save around 15% of its income. On average, the Swiss spend almost one-third of their income on social security contributions, taxes and health insurance. This pays for high-quality – though expensive – healthcare services and a comprehensive social insurance system. 

Social Aspects – Facts and Figures

High household incomes and a stable labour market underpin comprehensive pension schemes and an excellent healthcare system.

Workforce productivity, BFS

Switzerland's GDP per capita is exceptionally high and its residents' purchasing power is well above the EU average.

Labour market

In Switzerland, women make up almost half of the 4.5 million-strong workforce. Switzerland also has one of the lowest unemployment rates in Europe.

Household income and expenditure

Prices in Switzerland are higher than in other European countries. Nevertheless, the average household is able to save more than 15% of its income.

Social security

Switzerland has a comprehensive social security system comprising health and accident insurance, loss of earnings compensation, family allowances and pensions.

Health care system

The Swiss healthcare system reflects the country's federal structure. High-quality healthcare, characterised by its dense network of doctors' surgeries and hospitals, is cost-intensive.