Document background
The Conduct Certificate For Employee (Arbeitszeugnis) is a fundamental document in Swiss employment law, required under Article 330a of the Swiss Code of Obligations. Every employee in Switzerland has the legal right to request this document during their employment or upon termination. The certificate serves as an official record of employment and evaluation tool, providing future employers with standardized, comprehensive information about an employee's performance, skills, and conduct. It must be written in a carefully balanced way, adhering to the principles of truth and goodwill ("Wahrheitspflicht und Wohlwollensprinzip"). The document typically includes employment duration, job descriptions, performance assessments, and behavioral evaluations. Unlike reference letters in other countries, Swiss Conduct Certificates follow strict formatting and content requirements, making them a crucial document in the Swiss employment landscape.
