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.