Swiss workers seek second jobs amid inflation
ZÜRICH, SWITZERLAND — More than half, or 54%, of job seekers in Switzerland are considering or have already taken a second job to combat rising inflation.
According to the latest Candidate Pulse Study 2023 by recruitment agency Michael Page, 66% are more likely to accept offers with higher salaries, as 63% don’t think their current wages will keep up with inflation.
Swiss workers trail their neighbors in France, Germany, and Italy when receiving inflation-adjusted salary increases. In the last two years, only 24% of Swiss respondents received pay hikes, compared to 35% in France, 27% in Germany, and 19% in Italy.
PageGroup Switzerland Managing Director Yannick Coulange said, “If there is enough financial scope for even a small salary increase, then we recommend that it is paid to those employees at the lower end of the salary scale.”
Coulange added that enforcing salary hikes sends a “strong positive message about [the company’s] culture” and shows employers’ willingness to address their workforce’s needs.
The study also found that transparency in salary information is favored by job seekers, particularly in industries with talent shortages.
In Switzerland, 55% support salary disclosure in job advertisements, a sentiment shared more broadly in France (62%), Germany (63%), and Italy (66%).
Moreover, performance-based salary increases account for 54% of those who did receive raises in Switzerland.
