There are now four times more vacancies than unemployed ICT specialists in Switzerland. And unlike in other industries, ICT professionals work across multiple sectors which is driving demand.
Only about one third of ICT workers in Switzerland actually work directly in the ICT sector. The remaining two thirds are employed across multiple sub-sectors as IT specialists. ICT is the seventh largest professional field in Switzerland and the number of ICT workers is still growing 2.5 times quicker than the total number of employees. In addition:
- The current size of the ICT workforce in Switzerland is 199’200. (This represents an increase of 44,300 since 2010.
- The number of new ICT jobs that will be created over the next eight years is 37’000.
- The predicted size of the ICT workforce in 2026 is 236’200.
- The number of ICT specialists the Swiss economy will need over the next eight years is 88’500.
A recent study showed that there is currently a shortage of over 40’000 ICT specialists in Switzerland with only 36% of the demand for ICT workers being covered by Swiss graduates.
A recent post on jannz.technology reported a shortage of over 40’000 ICT specialists in Switzerland alone. This is the result of a study which analysed labour market needs showing that when taking into account the numbers of trainees, immigrants and emigrants as well as retired people, there is actually an additional need for 88’5000 ICT specialists in Switzerland. Due in part to the fact that digitalisation has now reached most sectors, only around 50% of current demand can be met.
As Switzerland emerges from the devastating effects of Covid-19, optimism is also now returning to the Swiss ICT Sector.
According to the Swico Index, a platform that analyses relevant factors of economic development in the ICT industry every three months – in July 2020, the Swiss ICT Index rose again for the third consecutive period. And the mood in the Swiss ICT sector shows positive signs of improvement with practically all sub-sectors with the exception of Imaging / Printing / Finishing – and growing towards the maximum limit of 100 points.
A gap still exists between the number of qualified Swiss ICT workers and job vacancies and both businesses and workers are turning to alternative methods to fill vacant ICT roles. The “GIG economy” is just one way.
Although some ITC staffing shortages are being managed through outsourcing and offshoring, when workers are needed onsite and quickly, engaging contractors and freelancers is a recognised way to fill vacant roles rapidly and with reduced risk. The demand for contractors is due in part to lack of home-grown talent, but it can also be seen as a strategic HR decision aimed at reducing costs as well as mitigating risk by filling vacant positions with trained and experienced workers quickly.
In this way, good risk management does not slow organisations down, but rather helps create a culture of speed and urgency. This ultimately also allows businesses to operate in a more agile manner with reduced risk.
However, in order to be fully compliant, contractors need to be aware of the legal parameters for working in Switzerland. When accepting a project or assignment role, contractors should engage a labour leasing company to handle all their statutory payroll deductions and payments effectively acting as their Swiss employer from a legal perspective and on behalf of the client. This eradicates any risk for all concerned.
Footnote: Accurity GmbH was founded 20 years ago and the original founders continue to lead the Accurity team with the same dedication to customer service and excellence as the day we started. Contractors are at the heart of our business and our work is to help you get the very best out of your contract here in Switzerland. Accurity looks after the employment issues so you can focus on your core business.
