Working Mothers in Switzerland: Trends and Challenges

Key Statistics

• Part-Time Work: The majority of employed mothers in Switzerland work part-time. 65% of mothers with children aged 0-6 and 63% of mothers with children aged 7-14 work part-time (Swiss Federal Statistical Office, 2023)​ (Federal Statistical Office). This is higher compared to other countries, where part-time employment is less prevalent.

• Full-Time Work: Only a small percentage of mothers (around 17%) work full-time, reflecting Switzerland’s cultural tendency toward part-time employment for mothers​ (SpringerOpen).

• Impact of Single Parenthood: Single mothers in Switzerland are more likely to work full-time compared to mothers with partners, likely due to financial necessity​ (Swissinfo)

Why Are More Mothers Working?

1. Rising Costs of Living: Switzerland is one of the most expensive countries in the world. Many families cannot survive on one income alone, leading to an increase in dual-income households. Mothers are often entering the workforce to help manage the high cost of living.

2. Educational and Career Aspirations: More women are attaining higher education levels, and many want to continue their careers after having children. This shift is partly driven by the desire for personal fulfillment and financial independence.

3. Social and Gender Norms: There is a gradual shift in traditional gender roles, with more men contributing to childcare and domestic responsibilities. This change enables more mothers to pursue work outside the home.

4. Government Policies and Childcare Availability: Switzerland offers relatively few full-day childcare services, which limits the ability of mothers to work full-time. However, flexible part-time work arrangements make it easier for mothers to balance work and family life.

The Benefits of Employment for Mothers

• Economic Security: Having both parents work reduces the financial strain on households and offers greater economic stability.

• Career Continuity: Employment, even on a part-time basis, allows mothers to maintain and grow their skills, which can be beneficial when they choose to return to full-time work later.

• Work-Life Balance: Part-time work offers mothers the chance to contribute to their family’s finances while spending time with their children. This balance is one of the main reasons part-time work is favored by Swiss mothers.

Challenges Faced by Working Mothers

1. The Motherhood Penalty: Mothers who work part-time often face reduced career advancement opportunities. The time spent outside of full-time work can lead to lower salaries and missed promotions, contributing to a long-term impact on lifetime earnings.

2. Stress and Overload: Many mothers find themselves juggling multiple roles—employee, caregiver, and homemaker. A study from the University of St. Gallen found that working part-time, while helping with family responsibilities, can lead to stress and burnout​ (Swissinfo).

3. Limited Childcare Options: Full-day childcare is not widely available in Switzerland, and many mothers find it difficult to secure affordable, high-quality care. This further reinforces the trend toward part-time work.

Conclusion

The rise in employment among Swiss mothers reflects broader social, economic, and cultural changes. While flexible work arrangements allow many mothers to balance work and family, challenges such as the motherhood penalty and limited career progression persist. Swiss society and policymakers may need to focus on improving access to childcare and ensuring equal career opportunities for mothers who want to return to the workforce full-time.

Resources

Federal Statistical Office. (2023). Labour market status: Persons in employment. https://www.bfs.admin.ch
Swiss Journal of Economics and Statistics. (2024). Gender effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Swiss labor market.
SWI SwissInfo. (2023). Working mothers on the rise in Switzerland. https://www.swissinfo.ch/