6 surprising differences between Swiss and US work cultures

Moving to Switzerland from the US also means an exciting career step for many expats. While you probably already know about the benefits, such as high salaries and more vacation days, there are other aspects of Swiss work life that you may struggle to adapt to at first.

There are several striking differences between the work cultures of Switzerland and the US. These aren't necessarily better or worse, but can take some getting used to. Here’s what to expect when you step into a Swiss workplace - and how to adapt without losing your footing.

1. Reserved communication

In the US, speaking up is often encouraged. Being enthusiastic, offering bold ideas and even interrupting to share a thought are seen as signs of engagement. In Switzerland, the opposite is true.

People speak more slowly and cautiously. Interruptions are rare, and long silences in meetings aren’t uncomfortable - they’re thoughtful pauses. Many expats find the tone formal, even stiff, at first. But it’s not unfriendly. Like much of Swiss culture, it’s just neutral.

Titles and surnames are common until you're invited to use first names. Over-sharing or joking too quickly can feel out of place. As one American expat in Zurich put it, “I had to unlearn my go-to icebreakers. They weren’t landing.”

2. Indirect instead of direct feedback

US companies often rely on regular and direct feedback. They’re typically not afraid to give employees both positive and negative assessments of their work. American managers are expected to praise success and to clearly give constructive criticism. Swiss managers tend to offer feedback in a more understated way.

Even if you’ve done a great job, a Swiss colleague might not compliment your work outright. Criticism is usually delivered with subtlety or formality. It doesn’t mean your performance is bad - it’s just a different way of expressing things.

Several American professionals report feeling unsure at first. “Nobody said I was doing a good job, but they kept giving me more responsibility. That was the sign,” says Rachel, a financial analyst from Boston.

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3. Hierarchy and authority

In US startups and many corporations, hierarchies are increasingly flat. Junior employees may openly challenge managers, and decisions can move fast. 

Swiss workplaces tend to follow clearer lines of authority. In Swiss companies, decision-making follows a step-by-step process involving multiple layers. Things don’t move fast, and unexpected shifts are uncommon. This slower pace means fewer surprises later. Once everyone agrees on a plan, it’s consistent and reliable from start to finish.

4. Work-life balance

Switzerland offers a generous amount of paid time off, and people actually use it. When employees go on vacation, they unplug fully. Checking emails on holiday is unusual, and sometimes it’s even discouraged.

In contrast, many Americans are used to flexible boundaries. They take work calls after hours, check emails on weekends and often skip vacation days altogether.

Swiss workers draw a firmer line. They arrive on time, leave on time and value their personal life. This doesn’t mean they’re less dedicated; it just reflects a broader cultural respect for rest and personal time.

5. Slow but steady integration

Adapting to Swiss work culture can take time. Colleagues may seem distant at first, especially in smaller cities. While Zurich and Geneva have active expat communities, many towns do not. Several American expats say building workplace relationships took months, not weeks. Trust must be earned gradually, through consistency and reliability.

“It was a bit lonely at first,” admits Josh, an IT consultant from Seattle. “But once I proved I wasn’t going anywhere, people warmed up. Now I feel like part of the team.”

6. American versus Swiss resumes

Before you make the move to Switzerland, it’s important to understand the different styles of resumes used. US resumes are brief, focused and often highlight personal achievements or soft skills. Adding personality is common and sometimes expected.

Swiss resumes take a different approach. They’re more formal and can be longer. The tone is neutral, and the layout is consistent. One major difference is that Swiss resumes usually include a photo.

Flashy designs or bold claims don’t go over well. What matters is accuracy, clarity, and a complete picture of your work history.

Avoiding missteps

Understanding the rules, both spoken and unspoken, makes a big difference. Being late to a meeting, interrupting someone mid-sentence, or making a joke that feels too casual can all make the wrong impression, as can pushing for rapid change or ignoring established processes.

But expats who listen closely, observe first, and adapt without forcing it usually find their footing. And once they do, many grow to prefer the Swiss style.

Cultural differences in the workplace don’t have to feel like obstacles. With patience and awareness, they become learning opportunities and, sometimes, long-term strengths.