The working climate beats the wage: what workers want in Switzerland

Post on: 14.05.2025

In an increasingly popular labour market; dynamic and competitive, a surprising trend emerges: for the majority of workers in Switzerland, Work Environment è moreù important salary. & This is revealed by a recent study carried out by swissstaffing in collaboration with gfs-zü rich, which involved 1204 people aged work and investigated the prioritiesà of the different occupational groups age.

The key figure? 68% of respondents consider the work environment the most ù important, even surpassing the salary factor, which is in second place with 63%. The flexibility; , in terms of working hours and place, is indicated by 47% of respondents as an indispensable requirement.

The study highlights marked differences between generations: Generation Z (those born between mid-19000 years of age) 90 and 2010) mainly research security and remuneration, while the over 50s prefer autonomy, significance; and flexibility . Two different worlds, grown up in different economic contexts, which today coexist in the same labor market but with opposite expectations.

Comparing generations: security vs. significance

L' Generation Z focus on job security è strongly influenced by the economic crises experienced during growth and by a world of work perceived as unstable. This has generated a widespread need for stability and financial protection, pushing young people to focus on fixed, well-paid positions. At the same time, they are aware of their value in a market marked by a shortage of skilled workers, and do not hesitate to demand competitive wages.

Of the opposite sign è The approach of the employed over 50, who grew up in a Period of stability and today in search of employment models that are more & free, which offer self-determination and meaning. After decades of work, these people value free time, the balance between life and profession and the possibility of to choose how and when to work. In many cases, they can afford it thanks to an already paid position. consolidated.

Lagging companies: the reality does not reflect the priorities of the of workers

A second survey of 509 Swiss companies shows a discrepancy between corporate values and workers' expectations. Only 53% of employers believe that a good working environment is a strength of their company, while only 44% value remuneration as an attractive lever. Rather, many companies rely on flat hierarchies and lean structures, which are less relevant to workers.

This divergence risks undermining the attractiveness of companies at a time when the shortage of qualified personnel è more and more; marked, thanks to the Demographic. To remain competitive, companies must rethink their recruitment and retention strategies, enhancing this. that workers in Switzerland are really demanding: positive environment, fair wages and flexible models.

Temporary work becomes a strategic lever for companies and employees

In this context, the role of staffing providers is emerging with increasing importance. This is confirmed by a significant figure: 60% of companies with more than 5 employees have already used temporary work as a tool to address staff shortages. Through qualified networks and in-depth knowledge of the market, lenders help companies find suitable profiles and manage with flexibility operational demands.

Temporary work is also a way of access to stable work: for many workers è The first step towards a permanent intake. Companies, for their part, can test the skills in the field before formalizing the entry into the team, thus reducing the risks and costs associated with recruitment.

Workers in Switzerland also appreciate the support: 60% of the 5018 temporary workers surveyed say they are satisfied that it is the agency to look for the right place for them.

Conclusion: flexibility, climate and human value as new foundations of work

The world of work in Switzerland is undergoing a profound transformation. The priorityà are changing, the new generations are asking for stability, the most experts want freedom, and they all converge on the importance of a positive and human environment. Companies that can listen to these needs will be those that can attract and retain the best talent in the coming years.