„setzte sich stets für die Belange der Belegschaft ein“
What this German phrase in your Swiss Arbeitszeugnis (employment reference letter) really says about you – and which grade it hides.
Literal translation vs. real meaning
Literal translation (what DeepL tells you)
“...always championed the interests of the workforce...”
What Swiss HR actually reads
Coded hint at active works council or union involvement, or acting as a troublemaker from the employer's perspective, despite a high rating (grade 5.5).
Hidden rating
Very good (grade 5.5)
German rating: Sehr gut (Note 5.5)
What it means in detail
While rated as very good (grade 5.5 on the Swiss 1-6 scale), this phrase carries a double meaning in Swiss reference coding. It signals to future employers that the person was active in employee representation or challenged management. However, as an overall evaluation, it reflects above-average engagement.
How to fix it
No change needed, as this is an above-average positive wording.
Suggested wording (German, for your HR department)
Keine Anpassung erforderlich. Dies ist eine überdurchschnittlich positive Formulierung.
One good phrase ≠ a good certificate
Swiss employers often hide weaknesses elsewhere – in the conduct section, in the closing statement or through omissions (“telling silence”). Check whether the rest of your letter keeps up.
Check your whole certificate freeRight to a full reference letter
BGE 129 III 177
The leading Federal Supreme Court decision on the employee’s statutory right to a full (qualified) reference letter: it must address both performance and conduct.
Read the full decision (German)„Ein qualifiziertes Arbeitszeugnis (Art. 330a Abs. 1 OR) muss sich sowohl zu den Leistungen wie auch zum Verhalten des Arbeitnehmers aussprechen.“
Unofficial translation: “A qualified reference letter (Art. 330a para. 1 CO) must address both the performance and the conduct of the employee.”
Related phrases
- für die Belange der Belegschaft stets ein offenes OhrSufficient (grade 4.0)4.0
- setzte sich stets intensiv für die Belange und Interessen seiner Untergebenen einInsufficient (grade 3.5)3.5
- vertrat stets eine eigene Meinung und setzte sich für ihre Ansichten einGood (grade 5.0)5.0
- setzte sich intensiv für die Belange der Mitarbeiterschaft einInsufficient (grade 3.5)3.5
Decode your entire reference letter
Upload your Arbeitszeugnis and get your overall Swiss grade, the number of issues found and a short legal assessment – explained in English.
Check your whole certificate freeRead this entry in German: Bedeutung von „setzte sich stets für die Belange der Belegschaft ein“