(25.03.2026) Switzerland is facing an increasing structural labor shortage. According to a study by the Centre for Economic Research (KOF), around 400,000 workers are expected to be lacking in the labor market over the next ten years.
Demographic change is identified as the main factor by 87% of the 103 economists surveyed by KOF. This is followed by a mismatch between available qualifications and labor market needs (63%) and insufficient access to foreign labor (43%). Low labor market participation is cited by only 26% of respondents, and rigid wages by 9%. Nearly 60% of participants also reject the idea that the monetary policy of the Swiss National Bank has contributed to this structural shortage.
Economists are divided on the impact on productivity: 43% of the experts surveyed believe that a labor shortage would have a positive effect on productivity, while 36% expect a negative effect. By contrast, a broad consensus emerges on the role of immigration. Nearly three-quarters of participants (73%) believe immigration will moderately or significantly reduce this structural shortage. This proportion nevertheless varies according to political leanings: 86% of economists on the left share this view, compared with 65% among those on the right.
Regarding the measures to be adopted, the economists surveyed support public action to increase the participation of women (80%) and older workers (78%) in the labor market, as well as the promotion of continuing education (78%). At company level, improving working conditions (94%) and increasing real wages (90%) are considered the most effective measures.
Last modification 25.03.2026
