(18.02.2026) The Swiss labor market is showing signs of stabilization after a difficult period. In the fourth quarter of 2025, the number of job vacancies rose by +1.8% quarter over quarter, but remains down -4% year over year, according to the Swiss Job Market Index.
The survey conducted by Adecco and the University of Zurich shows that the administrative and technology sectors are particularly affected by this downward trend. Job postings for "sales, administrative and commercial occupations" (sales specialists, accounting professions, etc.) recorded the sharpest decline in 2025: -20% year on year. In "highly qualified IT occupations" (software developers, database administrators, etc.) and "highly qualified business occupations" (financial analysts, marketing specialists), vacancies also fell significantly, by -18% and -10% respectively.
This development is partly attributable to the growing use of generative artificial intelligence, which can automate many tasks in these fields, as well as to subdued economic conditions. In the IT sector, cloud solutions and service outsourcing are additional contributing factors.
Demand for personnel remains strong in healthcare. "Highly qualified healthcare occupations" (physicians, nurses) posted a +10% year over year increase, reflecting labor shortages in the sector. This trend could intensify further due to population aging and the retirement of baby boomers. Job postings for "senior management positions" also rose in 2025 (+6%), although momentum slowed in the second half of the year.
Geographically, Central Switzerland is the only region to record slight growth (+1%). The most pronounced declines were observed in Zurich (-8%) and Northwestern Switzerland (-10%).
Last modification 18.02.2026
