Flexible Parental Leave for a Healthy Society.

The introduction of parental leave in Switzerland strengthens families, promotes early childhood development, and supports equality. It allows both parents to spend valuable time with their child and better balance work and family.

Problem

• Regarding parental leave and equality, Switzerland lags far behind other countri…: Regarding parental leave and equality, Switzerland lags far behind other countries. In hardly any other country do parents receive so little time at the birth of their children.
• The lack of parental leave reinforces outdated role models, lowers the birth rat…: The lack of parental leave reinforces outdated role models, lowers the birth rate, and leads to old-age poverty—especially among women who have to interrupt their employment.
• Families with low income or low educational levels benefit less from parental le…: Families with low income or low educational levels benefit less from parental leave programs because they often lack the financial means or awareness to use these options. This reinforces existing soc…
• Without parental leave, parents are forced to choose between career and family—q…: Without parental leave, parents are forced to choose between career and family—qualified professionals drop out, part-time traps arise, and careers are slowed down.
• The Swiss economy loses thousands of skilled workers annually due to the lack of…: The Swiss economy loses thousands of skilled workers annually due to the lack of modern parental leave. This costs companies millions through turnover and loss of knowledge.

Solution

• Instead of paternity and maternity leave, introduce a joint parental leave follo…: Instead of paternity and maternity leave, introduce a joint parental leave following the example of, for example, Germany.
• Parental leave is integrated into the existing income compensation scheme (EO), …: Parental leave is integrated into the existing income compensation scheme (EO), with 80% wage replacement, financed by contributions from employees and employers.
• Appropriate parental leave can be used flexibly and on a daily basis by parents …: Appropriate parental leave can be used flexibly and on a daily basis by parents over a period of two years.
• Fathers and mothers have the same parental leave (14 weeks from the day of birth…: Fathers and mothers have the same parental leave (14 weeks from the day of birth), 80% compensated by EO.
• Both partners have the same amount of parental leave. This is 12 weeks (less tha…: Both partners have the same amount of parental leave. This is 12 weeks (less than the current 14) to relieve employers.

Benefit

• Parental leave promotes equality between men and women in the workplace.: Parental leave promotes equality between men and women in the workplace.
• Parental leave increases women's labor force participation and can reduce the sh…: Parental leave increases women's labor force participation and can reduce the shortage of skilled workers.
• The introduction of paid parental leave strengthens gender equality, improves th…: The introduction of paid parental leave strengthens gender equality, improves the compatibility of family and career, and increases the employment rate in the long term, benefiting both society and th…
• Parental leave allows parents to recover from childbirth and adjust to the new f…: Parental leave allows parents to recover from childbirth and adjust to the new family situation, leading to less stress and better mental health.
• An attractive family policy can positively influence the birth rate and countera…: An attractive family policy can positively influence the birth rate and counteract demographic change.