Hi all,

I have quite a bit of housework to do (winterize the garden, clean floors and windows, etc.) and was thinking to ask a teenage friend for help. She is 18 years old currently taking a gap year, but plans for travelling the world have been scuppered. I think she would appreciate the work/having something to do, and I'd appreciate the help.

I was thinking to ask her to come help me out in exchange for money, but have no idea what to charge. Was thinking 20.- CHF per hour, but maybe that is a bit on the low side? Maybe 25.- is more appropriate?

For reference, we live in the Lausanne area. Would appreciate input on whether this wage seems appropriate for the type of work/age of worker, as I have no clue.

b.

I’d say 20 francs is quite good!!

20.- is correct. However you need to check the legality of employing him or her without being registered and questions about insurance in case of injury.

Good point, thanks for bringing it up as it hadn't crossed my mind. I was just thinking of one day's work (=8 hours in total), but it didn't cross my mind that this might involve paperwork. I thought employers were only on the hook for accident insurance if you crossed some minimum threshold of employment in a given month? Can 8 hours of work be paid cash in hand?

A one off job like that would be treated like a babysitter/casual job so you wouldn’t need to do any paperwork for contributions etc.
S/he would need to declare it for taxes but there is a threshold (2500chf I think) that teenagers are allowed to earn before income becomes taxable.

Make you you have insurance cover in case they have an accident while working for you though.

Thanks for the clarification. I'm not quite clear about the insurance part, however. She already has accident insurance through her health care provider, I assume that that would cover her for any injury incurred through this casual work? i.e. I don't need to find a separate insurance for these few hours of work?

You need to have personal liability insurance, which you may already have anyway.
It’s not expensive.

Yes, I do have it already. So I think I'm good to go.

The accident insurance for casual help can be contracted with any of the insurance companies. It will cost 100 CHF/year.