Switzerland - Cultural Etiquette - e Diplomat (2024)

The People

The Swiss value cleanliness, honesty, hard work, and material possessions. Motto: "Unity, yes; Uniformity, no." They are very proud of their environment and have a long tradition of freedom. They value sobriety, thrift, tolerance, punctuality and a sense of responsibility. They are very proud of their neutrality and promotion of worldwide peace. The Swiss have a deep-rooted respect for saving and the material wealth it brings.

Meeting and Greeting

• Shake hands with everyone present -- men, women, and children -- at business or social meetings. Shake hands again when leaving.
• Handshakes are firm with eye contact.
• Allow the hosts to introduce you at parties.
• Use last names and appropriate titles until specifically invited by your Swiss hosts or colleagues to use their first names. Academic and professional titles are used frequently.
• First names are reserved for very close friends and family.

Body Language

• Poor posture is frowned upon. Do not stretch or slouch in public.
• Do not point your index finger to your head. This is an insult.
• Body language varies from region to region in Switzerland.

Corporate Culture

• The Swiss take punctuality for business and social meetings very seriously and expect that you will do likewise. Call with an explanation if you will be delayed.
• Business cards in English are acceptable. Hand your business card to the receptionist upon arrival for a meeting. Give a card to each person you meet subsequently.
• Generally, English is spoken in business with foreigners. Inquire beforehand to determine if an interpreter is needed.
• Business climate is very conservative. Meetings are generally impersonal, brisk, orderly, planned and task oriented.
• The Swiss tend to get right down to business after a few minutes of general discussion.
• Presentations and reports should be orderly, well-prepared, thorough and detailed.
• The Swiss are fair bargainers but not hagglers. Discussions are detailed, cautious, and often pessimistic. Decisions are made methodically.
• It is not acceptable to call a Swiss businessperson at home unless there is an emergency.

Dining and Entertainment

• In the German parts of Switzerland, beckon a waiter by saying Herr Ober, and a waitress by saying Fräulein. It is considered rude to wave your hand.
• Business luncheons are more common than business breakfasts.
• Business entertainment is almost always done in a restaurant.
• Spouses are generally included in business dinners.
• The host proposes the first toast. Don't drink until after the toast is proposed.
• Keep your hands on the table at all times during a meal -- not in your lap. However, keep your elbows off the table.
• Cut potatoes, soft foods and salads with a fork, not a knife.
• Use eating utensils at all times, including to eat fruit.
• Break bread with your hands if possible. Do not use a knife.
• If salt and pepper are not on the table, don't ask for them.
• Don't smoke at the dinner table. Wait, watch and ask permission before smoking.
• Sample everything offered to you. Try to finish everything on your plate when dining in someone's home. It is impolite to leave food on your plate.
• When you are finished eating, place knife and fork side by side on the plate at the 5:25 position.
• Leave a party no later than midnight.
• It is considered impolite to ask for a tour of your hosts' home. If your hosts want to give a tour of their home, they will offer.

Dress

• Appearance should always be clean and neat. The Swiss are known for conservative and neat attire.
• Overly casual or sloppy attire is not appreciated.
• For business meetings, men should wear suits and ties; women should wear suits or dresses.

Gifts

• Gifts are normally not exchanged at business meetings, but small gifts may be appropriate at the successful conclusion of negotiations.
• Be prepared to give a gift in case you are given one. A gift with your company logo is acceptable.
• Give books, desk attire, whisky, cognac, good bourbon, or wine. Do not give anything sharp.
• When invited to someone's home, always bring a small gift for the hostess and a small gift for children.
• Give candy (good quality), pralines, flowers (unwrap before presenting, odd number), pastries.
• Do not bring large or expensive gifts. This is considered vulgar and makes receiver uncomfortable.
• Don't give red roses or carnations (these imply romance). White chrysanthemums and white asters are for funerals only.
• It is polite to send flowers to the hostess before a large party or the next day with a thank you note.

Helpful Hints

• Be punctual.
• Show great respect for elderly.
• Don’t litter (you will be scolded publicly).
• Don’t chew gum or clean your fingernails in public.
• Refrain from putting your hands in your pockets while talking with people.
• Never put your feet on a desk, chair or table.

Especially for Women

• More women are becoming more and more involved in business and public life in Switzerland, though the banking and finance industries continue to be dominated by men.
• Foreign businesswomen will be treated fairly and professionally in Switzerland.
• Many Swiss businessmen would be embarrassed if a foreign businesswoman invited them to dinner. Swiss men are very conservative and still expect to pay for a meal. If possible, a foreign businesswoman should invite a Swiss businessman to lunch rather than dinner.