When we think of Switzerland, we have the impression that it is a paradise of affluence and a country with a very high GDP per capita.
However, no matter how wealthy the place is, there must be some low-end occupations, such as sweeping the floor, digging manure, etc......
In the case that the whole people are not short of money, who is doing this kind of work?
Part-time experience in Switzerland
In fact, what we call "low-end" occupations is understood differently by people in Switzerland.
Switzerland society generally believes that every kind of work is necessary for the functioning of society, whether bankers or cleaners, are equally respected by society.
This kind of social concept of equality has laid a good cultural foundation for solving the problem of "dirty work and tiring work".
In Switzerland, even "dirty" jobs can pay considerably.
For example, a full-time cleaner may earn as much as $4,000-$5,000 per month, which in many countries may be equivalent to the income level of the middle class.
A janitorial worker can earn as much as about $27 an hour.
Skilled workers such as gardeners earn more, and they can earn nearly $1,000 by mowing a small garden.
High remuneration not only increases the attractiveness of these jobs, but also greatly improves the quality of life and social status of practitioners.
Thirdly, Switzerland has made these jobs easier and more respectable through technological innovation and improved working conditions.
For example, garbage collection has been highly mechanized, which has greatly reduced manual labor, and advanced cleaning equipment has been introduced for cleaning, which has increased work efficiency and improved working conditions.
However, since Switzerland is rich, it is certainly not bad for this money, so in order to make all the work have people, Switzerland has also started its own trick, that is, to attract foreigners to do it.
Switzerland's labour market is complex, with a highly qualified, highly skilled labour force and a generally high level of education.
However, Switzerland also faces a labour shortage due to an ageing population and low fertility.
For this reason, workers from countries such as Germany, Portugal, Spain and Italy occupy an important position in the Switzerland labour market.
Naturally, these migrant workers are in pursuit of higher wages and a better quality of life.
It is important to note that in Switzerland, these jobs are not only done by foreigners.
Many native Switzerland people also work in these jobs, and they are also able to earn a decent income and social respect.
vocational education
Switzerland's unique education system is also a highlight for them.
Switzerland focuses on cultivating students' all-round qualities, not only on knowledge transfer, but also on practical skills and innovative thinking.
But what really makes the Switzerland education system stand out is its unique vocational education and apprenticeship system.
Under this system, students can choose to enter a vocational school at around the age of 16 and at the same time receive practical training in a company.
This "dual track" education model allows students to acquire both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, laying a solid foundation for their future careers.
Apprenticeships cover not only traditional skilled trades, but also modern service industries such as banking and insurance.
Apprenticeships have a high level of social acceptance in Switzerland, with around 70% of Switzerland young people choosing this path, in contrast to the view of vocational education as a "secondary option" in many countries.
Apprenticeship graduates are highly sought-after in the job market, and their income levels are often no less than those of university graduates.
In addition to vocational education, Switzerland's higher education system is also very well developed. Switzerland's universities are perennially ranked among the best in world rankings.
In addition, Switzerland attaches great importance to lifelong learning and vocational retraining, which provides people with opportunities for continuous self-improvement.
Another feature of the Switzerland education system is its flexibility and good articulation.
Whether it's vocational or academic education, there are a variety of pathways that can be converted to each other or further study, which provides everyone with a development path that suits them.
Switzerland's work philosophy and values are also quite distinctive. They generally believe that work is not only a means of earning a living, but also a way to realize self-worth.
As a result, Switzerland tend to focus more on personal interests and development potential than just salary when choosing a career.
Most Switzerland believe that a high quality of life is essential to be more productive.
As a result, they make the most of their vacation time and enjoy life, which explains why Switzerland is one of the most productive in the world despite working shorter hours.
In that case, how well can a Switzerland be treated?
Comprehensive benefits
When people think of Switzerland, they often think of beautiful Alps, sophisticated watches, etc., but Switzerland has much more to offer than that.
This small European country has a comprehensive and efficient social welfare system that provides its citizens with all-round protection from cradle to grave.
When it comes to working conditions and treatment, Switzerland is a global benchmark.
Switzerland's working time system is very humane, with a typical 40-41 hour working week, much lower than in many countries.
Overtime is not common, and even overtime is compensated, which not only protects the rights and interests of employees, but also improves work efficiency.
The leave system is another highlight of the working environment in Switzerland. The statutory paid leave is a minimum of 4 weeks, and some companies even offer 6 weeks.
Moreover, many Switzerland companies encourage employees to make the most of their vacation time, believing that it helps improve productivity and quality of life.
Some special jobs, such as bus drivers, can also take extra vacation time to relieve work stress.
Overall, Switzerland has succeeded in turning "dirty work" into a desirable profession through high wages, a good working environment, a well-developed social security system and an equal social attitude.
This model not only improves the quality of life of the whole society, but also provides useful enlightenment for solving the problem of labor distribution.
Moreover, Switzerland also has a complete social insurance system, including pension, medical care, unemployment, etc., which provides comprehensive protection for workers.
In terms of health care, Switzerland has a universal health insurance system. Every Switzerland resident must have basic health insurance, and insurance companies cannot refuse to cover it on the basis of age or health conditions.
Basic medical insurance covers a wide range of areas, including outpatient, hospitalization, prescription drugs, maternity, accidents and other aspects.
Although the cost of medical care in Switzerland is relatively high, the government subsidizes premiums for low-income families to ensure that everyone has access to essential medical care.
In addition, the quality of medical care in Switzerland is among the best in the world, and patients receive timely treatment with little to no wait.
When it comes to educational benefits, Switzerland's education system is known for its high quality and inclusiveness.
Public schools are free from elementary school to high school. University education requires tuition fees, but the amount is relatively low, and there are various scholarships and student loans available.
In terms of housing, although house prices and rents in Switzerland are relatively high, the government helps people solve the housing problem in a variety of ways.
For low-income families, the government provides rental subsidies. For those who want to buy a home, the government offers preferential loans and tax breaks.
In addition, Switzerland has a large number of cooperative housing, which is popular with Switzerland because of its low rents and the fact that tenants can participate in housing management decisions.
Moreover, Switzerland attaches great importance to family benefits, with 14 weeks of paid maternity leave available to women, and some cantons also offer paid paternity leave.
For families with children, the government provides a monthly child allowance that increases as the child ages.
Switzerland also has a well-established childcare system to help parents balance work and family responsibilities, and some companies even offer corporate nurseries, further reducing the burden on employees.
epilogue
In summary, the soundness of Switzerland's socio-economic system is clear.
Through rational institutional design and social consensus, Switzerland has successfully solved the problem of labor distribution, achieved a high quality of life and high job satisfaction.
However, Switzerland also faces some challenges.
Issues such as an ageing population, intensifying international competition and the pressures of globalization require Switzerland to constantly adapt and respond.
In the future, Switzerland will need to maintain its traditional strengths while actively embracing new technologies and ideas to maintain its competitiveness.
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