Business etiquette, language & culture Page 1 of 8 Business etiquette, language & culture
Overview Efficiency, courtesy, cleanliness and order are all highly valued in Switzerland, and this is true in all areas of life, including business.
Switzerland has four main languages (German, French, Italian and Romansch) so check which language is appropriate prior to any meeting or negotiations. Many business meetings take place wholly in English.
The working culture is very business-like. Meetings start punctually and you should arrive on time. They are generally orderly, planned and formal, and presentations well-prepared, thorough and detailed.
Managerial structures tend to be conservative and quite rigid, and hard work, proper observance of business etiquette and attention to detail expected.
Swiss public holidays
2018
Day:
Date:
Holiday:
Comments:
Thursday
1st March
Republic Day
Neuchâtel
Monday
19th March
St Joseph’s Day
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Graubünden, Lucerne, Nidwalden, Schwyz, Solothurn, Ticino, Uri, Valais
Friday
30th March
Good Friday
-
Monday
2nd April
Easter Monday
-
Thursday
5th April
Näfelser Fahrt
Glarus
Monday
16th April
Sechseläuten
Zurich
Tuesday
1st May
Labour Day -
Thursday
10th May
Ascension Day
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- Monday
21st May
Whit Monday -
Thursday
31st May
Corpus Christi
Aargau, Appenzell Innerrhoden, Fribourg, Jura, Lucerne, Nidwalden, Obwalden, Ticino, Uri, Valais, Zug
Saturday
23rd June
Fête d'Indépendance
Jura
Friday
29th June
SS Peter and Paul
Graubünden, Ticino
Wednesday
1st August
National Day
Bundesfeier
Wednesday
15th August
Assumption Day
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Aargau, Appenzell Innerrhoden, Fribourg, Jura, Lucerne, Nidwalden, Obwalden, Schwyz, Solothurn, St. Gallen, Ticino, Uri, Valais, Zug
Thursday
6th September
Jeûne genevois
Geneva
Monday
10th September
Knabenschiessen
Zurich
Sunday
16th September
Swiss Federal Fast
All regions except Geneva
Monday
17th September
Bettagsmontag
Bern, Neuchâtel, Vaud
Tuesday
25th September
St Nicholas of Flüe
Obwalden
Saturday
8th December
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Immaculate Conception Day
Regional Holiday
Tuesday
25th December
Christmas Day
-
Wednesday
26th December
St Stephen’s Day
Celebrated on 26th December. Except Geneva, Jura, Neuch
Monday
31st December
Restoration Day
Geneva
Sponsored By:
Law
Bank / Financial Services
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Accountancy / Professional Business Services
Regional Development Agency
Insurance / Healthcare
Real Estate
School
Architecture / Design Engineering Services
Office Solutions / Office Services
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Airline
Translation / Language Services
Executive, Technology and Finance Recruitment Solutions
Event Organisers / Conference Facility Services
Official International Trade And Investment Promotion Agency Switzerland
Travel Agency Services
Business Development Zone
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Relocation
ICT / Telecommunications Services
;
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