A new study by service centre swissstaffing has revealed what workers in Switzerland want to get out of their nine-to-five this year. They found that priorities among employees change dramatically by age, and that there is a great divide between what employees want and what companies aim to provide.
What do workers want out of their jobs in Switzerland?
In the report, swissstaffing surveyed both what employees value in work and what businesses feel are their greatest strengths. With labour shortages in Switzerland predicted to worsen in the coming decades, it is more important than ever for companies to offer rewarding and fulfilling work, if they are to fill jobs.
In the data given to 20 Minuten, they found that a good working environment is the most important thing for Swiss workers, with 68 percent of respondents saying it was vital. Good salaries are the second highest valued factor at 63 percent, with stability and job security completing the podium with 43 percent.
What workers value the most also changes by age. Those in younger generations tend to feel that a high salary and job security are the most important draws, while older workers are more likely to value autonomy, meaningfulness and more flexible working hours.
Large gap between what Swiss companies value and workers want
Interestingly, the gap between what workers want and what companies think is important is stark. Only 53 percent of firms reported that a good working environment is one of their main strengths as an employer, only 44 percent said that good salaries are a draw, and just 39 percent said they are adept at providing job security and stability.
This divide is also reflected in what companies say they are best at. While 42 percent of businesses argued that having a “flat hierarchy” between bosses and staff is one of their core strengths, just 14 percent of workers said it is an important factor for a good workplace. Other areas where companies said they excel, such as being a “high appreciation” environment and offering the possibility of part-time work, were nowhere near as highly valued by employees.
Study author Ariane Baer told 20 Minuten that Swiss companies need to do more to improve their working conditions and make themselves more responsive to what staff actually want. "Neglecting these factors risks increasing turnover and vacant positions," she warned.