Benefits and Support

We are committed to providing a comprehensive package of benefits and support for our people. From competitive pay to flexibility, time off, and family benefits, discover how we help you maintain a healthy work–life balance and settle into life in the Geneva area.

Relocation Support

We understand that moving to a new country with your family can be both exciting and challenging. That’s why we offer relocation support to help you, and your family, settle into life in the Geneva area. The benefits and exact amounts vary based on your contract type, family situation, and the distance between Geneva and your place of residence at the time of recruitment.

Travel Expenses (Staff members, Graduates & Students)

You may receive a lump-sum payment to help cover your travel to Geneva when joining CERN.

Installation Indemnity (Staff members & Graduates)

You may be eligible for an installation indemnity, a lump-sum payment to support your move.

Removal Expenses (Staff members)

You may also be entitled for reimbursement of your removal costs (household and personal effects).

International indemnity (Staff members)

You may also be eligible for an international indemnity to help offset the costs associated with settling into the local area and maintaining ties with your home country.

Visa Assistance

If you require a visa to work and live in the area, CERN’s Visa Service will assist you throughout the application process with the local authorities. Visa processing times will still vary and may take up to three months, depending on the consulate handling your request.

Health Insurance (Staff members, Graduates & Students)

As an international organisation, CERN provides its own health insurance – the CERN Health Insurance Scheme (CHIS) – for staff members, graduates and students , helping to protect you and your family from significant healthcare costs.

Pension Fund (Staff members & Graduates)

As an international organisation, CERN has its own Pension Fund, a key part of its social protection system. The Fund provides financial security for members and their families in the event of retirement, disability, or death.

Family Benefits

We understand the importance of supporting your family life alongside your professional one. As an international organisation, CERN operates its own social protection scheme, offering family benefits such as allowances and support with education fees. The benefits depend on your contract type, status, and family situation.

Family Allowances (Staff members & Graduates)

Depending on your family situation, you may be entitled to the following monthly benefits:

  • Family Allowance: CHF 405, if you have a spouse or registered partner, and/or at least one dependent child.
  • Child Allowance: CHF 484 for each dependent child.
  • Infant Allowance: CHF 219 for each dependent child under the age of three, paid in addition to the child allowance.

Family supplement to subsistence allowance (Students)

If your family resides with you in the local area for at least six months, you may be eligible for a monthly supplement to your subsistence allowance:

  • 531 CHF, if you are accompanied by your spouse or registered partner, or
  • 1062 CHF if you are accompanied by one or more dependent children.

Education Fees (Staff members & Graduates)

You may be eligible for financial support to help you cover education fees and language training costs for your dependent children aged between 3 and 25.

Childcare Facilities

Le Jardin des Particules, the CERN Staff Association’s crèche and school located on site, welcomes children from 4 months to 8 years old. These facilities are available to all CERN personnel, regardless of your contract type.

Work-Life Balance and Flexible Working Arrangements

At CERN, we value both the professional growth and the well-being of our people. We offer flexible working arrangements and a variety of recreational activities to ensure that your time at work complements your personal life, leading to a fulfilling and balanced lifestyle.

Where Career Ambitions Meet Personal Fulfilment

CERN is not just about groundbreaking research and innovation; it is also about nurturing the people who make it all happen. We believe that work should be a source of fulfilment. That’s why CERN offers a variety of leave options, social and recreational activities, and flexible working arrangements to support a healthy work-life balance and ensure your well-being.

Time off: Leave and Holidays

  • Annual Leave: You enjoy 2.5 working days of paid leave per month, amounting to 6 weeks of paid holiday per year. This generous allowance ensures you have ample time to relax, recharge, and enjoy life outside work.
  • Annual Closure: CERN shuts down for two weeks at the end of each year, providing a real opportunity to disconnect and rest. These days are in addition to your annual leave.
  • Official Holidays: CERN observes several official holidays, including Good Friday, Easter Monday, 1st May, Ascension Day, Whit Monday, and a local Geneva holiday called “Jeûne Genevois”.
  • Other Leave Options: As a staff member, you may opt to purchase additional leave to suit your personal needs. CERN also offers a variety of unpaid leave options, to accommodate different life situations or commitments.
  • Home Leave (Staff members): if you are entitled to international indemnity, you benefit from home leave every two years – a paid travel back to your home country to help you stay connected with your roots and family.
  • Family-related Leave (Staff members, Graduates & Students): CERN offers leave for key life events, such as maternity, co-parenting/paternity, adoption, marriage or registered partnership.

Teleworking

While CERN’s work culture is rooted in on-site collaboration, flexibility plays an important role in supporting work-life balance. That’s why teleworking/hybrid work is included in our broader approach to flexible working arrangements.

You may telework up to 40% of your working time over any two-week period, provided it aligns with the needs of your work and team and is approved by your supervisor. This approach ensures that we continue to enjoy in-person exchanges, while still allowing space for remote work.

Flexible Working Hours

The standard working week at CERN is 40 hours, from 8.30 am to 5.30 pm, Monday to Friday, including a one-hour lunch break. Depending on the position, you may benefit from flexibility in your schedule, with the possibility to adjust your start and end times (typically between 7.00 am and 7.00 pm), or reduce your working hours, in agreement with your management.

Assistance Programs

Our personnel have access to various programs that offer support ensuring you can navigate life’s challenges with confidence. This includes Social Affairs Service, Ombud, Staff Association or our own Medical Service just to name a few.

On-Site Facilities

CERN is like a town within a town, with a unique campus-style atmosphere and a wide range of facilities. These include on-site childcare, a bank, three restaurants and several cafeterias, free parking, a dedicated language centre, our own fire brigade and more – all contributing to a well equipped environment that supports a healthy lifestyle while you pursue your career.

Recreational and Social Activities

The Staff Association organises a range of recreational and social activities, allowing you to connect with colleagues and contribute to our vibrant community life. They propose over 50 clubs, catering to a wide variety of interests. Whether you’re passionate about music, sports, photography, or even sailing with the yacht club, there’s something for everyone. These clubs provide the perfect opportunity to explore new hobbies, connect with like-minded colleagues, and enrich your experience at CERN both inside and outside of work.

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