Women's Wealth in figures – career

Part-time work and financial security

More than half of Swiss women work part-time – another reason why they should plan their long-term finances.

20 Apr 2020 2 min read
Financial security for part-time workers
The combination of more frequent part-time work and longer life expectancy for women often means that they have less money available in old age

According to the Federal Statistical Office, 60% of women in Switzerland work part-time, as compared with just 18% for men. In addition to paid employment, many women are responsible for childcare, housekeeping and do a large part of unpaid work, such as looking after elderly relatives. Part-time work has other drawbacks too – especially in financial terms.

How to be financially secure

The main impact of working part-time is that it reduces the benefits paid by the pension fund, and by the old age and survivors’ insurance (AHV). This problem is exacerbated by women’s earlier retirement age and higher life expectancy. Women who work part-time for long periods and who also take career breaks, for example due to maternity leave, face pension gaps. Women who work part-time are therefore disadvantaged in several ways. That’s why it’s worth taking advantage of the opportunities for pension savings via pillar 3a, whether a classic 3a account or selected investment funds that offer higher potential returns. Whichever option is chosen, it is essential for women working part-time to start making provision for their retirement at an early stage. Our retirement calculators can help.

Women’s Wealth Academy

Women who actively participate in financial decisions increase their chances of achieving financial security and are less worried about their future.

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