Leaving EPFL

Procedure

• Resignation letter: A written notification must be sent to the Employee Experience domain to officially confirm your departure.
• Remaining vacation days: It is recommended to plan your remaining leave days before the end of your contract, in agreement with your unit.
• IT access:
  • Access rights are deactivated on the contract end date. Therefore, it is important to back up personal and professional data in time.
  • If necessary, access to email may exceptionally be maintained beyond that date, if justified (see LEX 6.1.4, PDF).
• HR documents: Payslips and certificates must be downloaded from the SESAME platform while access is still active.

Termination Notice Periods

• Fixed-term contract (CDD):
  The contract ends automatically on the agreed date, unless both parties agree to an early termination.

• Open-ended contract (CDI):

  • During the probation period:
    The notice period is one week during the first two months, then one month in the third month.
  • After the probation period:
    The notice period is one month during the first year, then three months from the second year onward.

⚠️ Leave can only take effect at the end of a month.

Work Certificate

• A certificate can be requested at any time: during employment (interim) or at the end of the contract (final).
• This document confirms the nature of the position held and the quality of the work performed.
• It is drafted by the unit and then validated by the Employee Experience domain.
• The HR representative of the unit is available to advise on drafting the work certificate and can provide a template.

Insurance and Pension

• Accidents: SUVA coverage remains valid for 31 days after departure. Temporary extension is possible through a conventional insurance policy.
• Occupational pension (2nd pillar): An exit form must be sent to PUBLICA, including the contact details of your new pension fund or vested benefits institution.
• Social insurance (AVS/AI): Useful information is available on the website of the Central Compensation Office.

Exit Interview

• The HR Manager or HR Generalist of your unit may offer you an exit interview to reflect on your experience at EPFL.

Leaving Switzerland

• If you are permanently leaving the country, you must notify your local municipality. This process can usually be done online or directly at the municipal office.

See also:

• Information Letter to Employees Upon Leaving EPFL (PDF)
• Absence Management Guide for Vacation Balance