Demand for the likes of doctors, nurses, IT specialists and engineers is outstripping supply in the job market.
The balance between employer and employee has changed dramatically since the end of the pandemic. Companies that pared down hiring in 2020 and 2021, or even trimmed down their workforces, are now urgently seeking new recruits.
As a result, the annual Skills Shortage Index, complied by Adecco and the University of Zurich has reached unprecedented highs.
“Demand for qualified professionals will continue to rise, with the result that rather than companies selecting employees, it will increasingly be the other way around,” said Marcel Keller, head of Adecco Switzerland.
The talent crunch is not spread evenly around the country because different cantons have varying levels of unemployment. The shortage of skilled staff is being felt more acutely in Geneva than Zurich, for example.
Demand also varies for different types of job and is heavily weighted towards scientific and technical personnel. There are fewer vacancies for social workers and journalists, while the supply of marketing and public relations specialists broadly matches demand.
“The higher the qualification required for the job, the higher the demand,” said Keller.
Popular Stories
More
Life & Aging
Why liberal Switzerland is opposed to the Sarco suicide capsule
Switzerland condemns rocket attack on Golan Heights sports pitch
This content was published on
The Swiss foreign ministry has condemned a rocket attack on a football pitch in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, which resulted in the deaths of twelve children and young people.
Groundbreaking claims expected after Crowdstrike IT breakdown
This content was published on
The claims for damages following the recent global IT breakdown of Crowdstrike are expected to be groundbreaking, according to Matthias Stürmer, a professor of digitalisation at Bern University of Applied Sciences.
Swiss National Bank Chairman encourages public engagement in financial issues
This content was published on
Jordan emphasised the importance of financial literacy, noting its relevance in everyday life, such as when looking for a job, taking out a mortgage, preparing for retirement or saving.
No Swiss Federal Council speech at Rütli for August 1 celebrations
This content was published on
Traditionally, a member from the Swiss Federal Council makes an appearance on the Rütli meadow in canton Uri during the August 1 celebrations.
Swiss government investigates historical treatment of Yenish people
This content was published on
The Swiss government has commissioned a legal opinion to clarify Switzerland's role in the treatment of the Yenish community.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Switzerland could ‘lack 700,000 workers’ in decade’s time
This content was published on
Swiss Employers’ Association warns country is facing a shortage of 700,000 workers in ten years’ time and that immigration was key to plug the gap.
This content was published on
The shortage of skilled workers has become even more acute this year. Finding suitable engineers is particularly difficult.
Switzerland simplifies process of employing foreign workers
This content was published on
Moves to cut red tape for non-EU foreign workers in Switzerland will not necessarily lead to more work visas being issued.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.