Conflicts of interest and conflicts of commitment
Outside activities and other pursuits are generally desirable. However, it is important to make sure that there is no fundamental conflict of interest and no reduction in performance at one’s job at ETH Zurich (conflict of commitment). Potential conflicts of interest or commitment will be considered during the approval process.
A conflict of interest exists if the personal interests or circumstances of employees could affect their professional judgment, conduct or decisions at ETH Zurich. Outside employment and activities are subject to approval if a conflict of interest cannot be ruled out.
In the case of certain outside activities, in particular for executive and operational roles in for-profit organisations (e.g. serving on a board of directors or in an executive management position), ETH Zurich needs to carefully review any potential risks to the reputation of the university. If certain difficulties, activities or failures on the part of the company or its responsible governing bodies can be connected to ETH Zurich, this could possibly damage the credibility and reputation of the university.
ETH Zurich expects senior employees and/or employees with a great deal of responsibility and decision-making freedom to be particulary conscientious and careful in dealing with potential conflicts of interest in connection with any outside activities. These employees, by virtue of their position, contribute in a special way to the public perception of ETH Zurich.
If any of the following apply to an employee’s outside pursuits, it can be assumed that there is a conflict of interest or commitment.
- Could the activity undermine the credibility of ETH Zurich?
- Does the activity compromise the independence of the ETH employee or the trust that has been placed in them?
- Will the reputation of ETH Zurich be affected by the activity?
- Might the activity lead to a loss of credibility regarding the employee’s duties at ETH Zurich?
- Will the activity impair the job performance of the employee?
- Is the activity connected to contracts that are carried out for ETH Zurich or that are to be awarded by ETH Zurich in the foreseeable future?
Employees and professors are obligated to use their contractually agreed working time for their jobs at ETH Zurich. If pursuing outside employment or other activities could impair the job performance of the employee, then this activity is subject to approval.
Employees are permitted to engage in outside employment and other activities as long as all of their positions (employment contracts) do not exceed a full-time workload of 100% in total. For ETH employees, the total time spent on employment and outside activities must not exceed an annual average of 110%.
Professors are entitled, within the scope of their full-time employment, to pursue activities outside ETH Zurich to the extent of one working day per week (20% or 48 days per year), provided that these activities are related to their professorship and do not represent any conflict of commitment.
If any of the following apply to an employee’s outside pursuits, it can be assumed that there is a conflict of interest or commitment.
- Is the employee’s outside activity compatible with their commitment to ETH Zurich?
- Does the extent of an employee’s outside teaching commitments (for example) constitute a time challenge when combined with their duties at ETH Zurich?
- Does the time commitment for the activity exceed the maximum weekly working time of 45 hours when combined with the position at ETH Zurich?
- Can the employee observe the rest periods required by law when combining their activities?
- Can the employee combine all of their activities without it constituting a time disadvantage for their duties at ETH Zurich?