Clock change may cost Switzerland more than CHF 100 million
Saturday 24th October 2026 on 14:45 in
Switzerland
Switzerland’s switch back to standard time this weekend may disrupt sleep and productivity, with the economic costs estimated at just over CHF 100 million, according to SRF. The estimate is based on studies from other countries.
Six factors illustrate the costs, effort and potential benefits of changing the clocks.
1. Accidents and missed work carry costs
Studies in the United States have found increases in traffic accidents, heart attacks and work absences after the time change. Tiredness and difficulty concentrating can also reduce performance among people who go to work.
2. Tired workers may be more distracted
A US study found that people spent more time browsing the internet at work on the Monday after the clocks changed. Known as cyberloafing, this behaviour may increase when tiredness makes it harder to stay focused, potentially lowering productivity.
3. Farms may need to adjust milking times
Cows do not follow the clock, so the time change can require extra organisation on farms. Some farmers who milk traditionally shift milking times by 10 to 15 minutes a day to help the animals adjust. Milking robots can reduce the problem because cows use them independently and are less tied to fixed milking times.
4. Wildlife may face more traffic at dusk
Deer and other wild animals follow natural rhythms and orient themselves by the position of the sun. If commuting traffic falls more heavily during twilight after the clock change, the risk of collisions with wildlife increases.
5. Longer summer evenings can benefit businesses
Summer time can benefit the hospitality and tourism industries because people tend to stay out longer when evenings remain bright. That advantage ends when clocks return to standard time, also known as winter time.
6. Energy savings are limited
One argument for summer time was that making better use of daylight would reduce the need for artificial lighting in the evening. The overall energy-saving effect is small and disputed, so it has become a less significant economic argument.