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Health & Family-friendly approach

Balance & Gesundheit
University of Basel, Kollegienhaus (Image: © Mark Niedermann)

The University of Basel provides its staff with a safe and healthy working environment. Flexible working time models, modern terms of employment and generous parental leave create an appropriate work-life balance.

Working hours and vacation

The standard working week for a full-time position is 42 hours. For part-time employment, working hours are reduced proportionally.

Vacation Entitlement

  • Up to 49 years: 25 days
  • From 50 years: 27 days
  • From 60 years: 30 days

Paid Breaks

  • Two 15-minute breaks per day

Flexible Working

  • Flexible working hours
  • Possiblility of Home office possible
  • Unpaid leave up to 6 months
  • Research sabbatical for professors (every 8 semesters)

Parenthood

FiDH Logo
Certificate & Logo

Family orientation

The University of Basel considers active diversity and family-friendliness as a foundation for excellence. These values are reflected in teaching, research, and administration.

Since 2021, it has been the first Swiss institution to receive the Family-Friendly University certificate and is a member of the “Family in Higher Education” network.

  • Pregnancy and maternity, paternity (including same-sex), adoption

    In the case of pregnancy or adoption, employees are entitled to 16 weeks of paid leave. Fathers (including same-sex parents) receive 20 days of paid leave upon the birth of their own child. In addition, unpaid leave of up to 16 weeks is possible, extendable by mutual agreement.

    In the case of pregnancy or adoption, employees are entitled to 16 weeks of paid leave. Fathers (including same-sex parents) receive 20 days of paid leave upon the birth of their own child. In addition, unpaid leave of up to 16 weeks is possible, extendable by mutual agreement.

  • Day Care Center

    The University of Basel’s Day Care Center on Herbergsgasse offers 32 full-time or part-time places for the children of students and employees. Parental contributions are income-based and follow municipal guidelines.

    The University of Basel’s Day Care Center on Herbergsgasse offers 32 full-time or part-time places for the children of students and employees. Parental contributions are income-based and follow municipal guidelines.

  • Emergency childcare for sick children

    In cooperation with the Swiss Red Cross (SRK), the University provides emergency childcare for preschool or primary school children in the event of illness, or parents are temporarily unavailable, for example due to exams or important appointments.

    In cooperation with the Swiss Red Cross (SRK), the University provides emergency childcare for preschool or primary school children in the event of illness, or parents are temporarily unavailable, for example due to exams or important appointments.

Family and child support allowance

Family allowance

The Family Compensation Fund (FAK) makes the final decision on whether an employee is eligible for family allowance. Family allowance is paid out by the University of Basel.

Only employees who are entitled to a family allowance according to the decision of a Swiss family compensation fund (FAK) are entitled to a maintenance allowance.

The full amount of child support allowance will be paid to employees with a level of employment of 50% or higher. A pro rata amount of child support allowance will be paid to employees with a level of employment below 50%.

University of Basel Child support allowance (2025 rates):

  • Allowance for one child: CHF 436.55 per month
  • Allowance for two children: CHF 534.05 per month
  • Allowance for three children: CHF 571.60 per month
  • Allowance for four or more children: CHF 601.30 per month

Health

Occupational Safety & Health Protection

The University of Basel actively ensures safe working conditions and the occupational safety and health protection of its employees. Contacts for occupational safety and health protection are the AS/HS coordinators within the Facilities unit, who support SIBE, KOPAS, specialist groups, management, and authorities.

Health Promotion

As a member of the Health-Promoting Universities Switzerland network, the University of Basel promotes the health of its employees in accordance with WHO guidelines. The Vice Rectorate for People & Culture promotes health through preventive measures aimed at maintaining health and performance throughout employees’ professional lives.

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