Despite ongoing economic challenges, Swiss companies are planning to expand their workforce in 2025, with a strong focus on offering competitive salaries and employee benefits. In-demand sectors such as artificial intelligence, automation, and IT are leading the charge, but industries across the board are maintaining or even increasing their workforce to stay competitive. Renata von Gottberg, Director and Branch Manager Zurich, and Julia Meir Lawi, Director and Branch Manager Geneva at Robert Half Switzerland, provide key insights into how companies are navigating this complex landscape, emphasizing the need for businesses to offer more than just attractive pay.
The Swiss Salary Guide 2025:
Swiss companies are optimistic about expanding their workforce in 2025. Around 35% of firms plan to increase their permanent staff, reflecting a clear trend toward long-term employment growth. Moreover, 57% of companies intend to maintain their current staffing levels, signaling stability despite economic pressures. In the temporary employment sector, 27% of firms are looking to expand, while 48% will maintain current levels. Project-based roles are also in higher demand, with 28% of companies expecting growth in this flexible work category.
Salaries Remain High Across Sectors
The Swiss labor market remains one of the most attractive in Europe, thanks to its consistently high salary levels. Annual salaries exceeding 100,000 Swiss francs have become standard in many industries, even at lower experience levels. This is particularly evident in the IT sector, where most roles, from Infrastructure Architects to Security Specialists, command salaries well above 100,000 Swiss francs.
In the financial and administrative sectors, salaries are equally competitive. For example:
HR Payroll Manager: 106,250 Swiss francs (25th percentile)
Treasury Manager: 115,500 Swiss francs (25th percentile)
IT Team Leader: 129,750 Swiss francs (25th percentile)
Retaining talent in today’s competitive job market is more than just a matter of high salaries. While 47% of employers base salary increases on performance, 24% raise wages simply to remain competitive. Interestingly, even though salary hikes are important, 34% of employees indicated they would consider changing jobs for the right opportunity, even without a raise. On the other hand, 39% of employees rank job security higher than salary, emphasizing the growing importance of stability in the workplace.
Perks and Benefits on the rise
Employees in Switzerland are increasingly looking for more than just competitive salaries. Perks such as car allowances, public transport job tickets, and home office support are among the most requested benefits, highlighting a shift toward work-life balance and convenience.
The top three requested financial benefits are:
Car allowance (48%)
Public transport job ticket (47%)
Home office allowance (46%)
Health and wellness perks, such as gym memberships and flexible performance programs, are also highly valued. Employees are keen on training and development opportunities, with 42% requesting tuition support for external programs and 41% seeking access to specialized external training.
Training and Development becomes more important
Training and professional development have become essential for employee retention and career progression. Many Swiss companies are now offering programs that help employees build new skills and advance within the company. The top three training opportunities include:
Tuition for external programs (42%)
External training programs (41%)
Job rotation programs (37%)
These initiatives not only enhance employees' skills but also foster loyalty and long-term commitment to their employers, ensuring that companies remain competitive in attracting top talent.
As we look toward 2025, Swiss companies face both opportunities and challenges. While economic uncertainties persist, firms are increasingly investing in their workforce, offering competitive salaries, meaningful benefits, and opportunities for professional growth. To stand out in a competitive job market, businesses must offer more than just high pay.
Employers need to adapt quickly to these evolving expectations, ensuring they not only meet salary demands but also offer the broader incentives that today's employees value most. The Swiss job market is poised for growth, and companies that recognize the importance of employee satisfaction and long-term development will emerge as leaders in the years to come.
Image source: © Jorge Romero / Unsplash
