IT talent shortage continues in Switzerland
ZURICH, SWITZERLAND — The IT skills shortage in Switzerland reached a critical level in 2023, severely impacting companies across all industries.
According to a recent study by Adecco Group Switzerland and the University of Zurich, demographic change exacerbates the shortage, with more IT workers retiring than entering the workforce.
At the same time, digitization is accelerating across sectors, driving fierce competition for tech talent.
While the overall economy is slowing, domestic sectors like hospitality are still creating IT jobs. Adecco Group Switzerland and the University of Zurich revealed a 24% increase in the skills shortage index this year, hitting an all-time high.
IT professions like software developers, SAP consultants, and IT quality managers are among the most sought-after but hardest to fill.
Industry group Swiss ICT added that the Swiss economy will need over 117,000 additional IT specialists by 2028, but only half the demand can currently be met.
With tech talent having the upper hand, companies struggle to attract candidates despite incentives like higher pay, flexible working models, and other benefits.
Experts recommend companies invest more in training, upskilling, and recruiting from adjacent industries to build talent internally.
Martin Meyer, Leader of Adecco in German-speaking Switzerland, added that companies must “consider taking on foreign workers” to solve the IT talent shortage in the country.
