Between 2010 and 2013, the prospective observational study, which was conducted in 15 wards of a Swiss university clinic, monitored the compliance with both the 6-step rub-in technique of WHO and WHO’s 5 Moments model by direct observation. In addition, the duration of employment in the clinic, the occupational group and the age of the observed healthcare workers were recorded. The study participants disinfected their hands in 93.2 % of observed opportunities (2480 of 2662 opportunities). There was no significant difference between the occupational groups. The compliance with all 6 steps of the rub-in technique recommended by WHO was 8.5 %. Employees under 25 years yielded a significantly higher compliance with the rub-in technique than older staff. Additionally, the compliance with all 6 steps decreased significantly the longer the staff were employed in the clinic.