Swiss Hiring Intentions at a Five-Year Low – AI Skills and Soft Skills in Demand
The net employment outlook for the third quarter of 2026 in Switzerland remains at its lowest level since 2021. A supplementary survey by ManpowerGroup shows that employers are increasingly willing to pay higher wages for AI skills and human capabilities.
Swiss employers are taking a cautious view of the third quarter of 2026. The seasonally adjusted Net Employment Outlook (NEO) rose by just one percentage point from the previous quarter to +19—the lowest figure for this time of year since 2021. This puts Switzerland 7 percentage points below the global average, even though it has long held top positions internationally.
Eric Jeannerod, Country Manager for ManpowerGroup Switzerland, puts the figures into perspective: «Swiss companies have gained greater planning certainty. At the same time, many employers remain cautious in light of weaker demand from key export markets. This explains why hiring intentions are rising slightly but still remain below the international average.»
AI skills have a direct impact on wage trends
A supplementary survey by ManpowerGroup shows that technical skills related to artificial intelligence (AI) are increasingly having a direct impact on salary trends. Fifty-six percent of Swiss employers say they are willing to pay a premium for AI application skills. Among companies with more than 250 employees, that figure rises to 66 percent. This discrepancy raises the question of whether SMEs do not yet attach the same strategic importance to AI—or simply lack the resources to pay higher wages for these skills.
Human skills remain indispensable
Soft skills, however, are even more in demand than AI expertise. 66 percent of the employers surveyed would be willing to pay more for communication and teamwork skills. Professionalism and work ethic (60 percent), adaptability (59 percent), and critical thinking and problem-solving skills (57 percent) are also highly valued.
Jeannerod comments: «An interesting point in light of the growing importance of AI: While technological skills are becoming increasingly important, companies are still looking for people who can solve complex problems, take on responsibility, and collaborate effectively. The future does not belong to AI, but to the combination of technology and human skills.»
AI and On-Site Work as Drivers of Productivity
The companies surveyed cite AI applications and training initiatives as the primary drivers of productivity over the past twelve months. Fifty-one percent report that the use of AI tools for daily tasks has had a positive impact on overall productivity. Forty-three percent attribute productivity gains to AI-driven process automation and training on how to use AI tools more efficiently. Notably, 33 percent view the return to the office or increased on-site work as a positive factor for productivity.
The survey was conducted between April 1 and 30, 2026; 603 interviews were conducted in Switzerland.
Source: www.manpowergroup.com
