According to the PageGroup Confidence Index for Q2, 61% of job seekers in Switzerland did not expect compensation levels to increase. This was up from 58% in the same time last year.

Jobseekers in the German-speaking region of the country were more confident about their career prospects and the Swiss job market than their counterparts in the French-speaking Swiss Romandy. The gap has widened significantly over the last 12 months, according to PageGroup.

Jobseekers in the German-speaking region were almost twice as confident about the job market than their counterparts in the Swiss Romandy. The data showed that 64% of jobseekers in the German-speaking region expected conditions to improve over the next 6 months, a year-on-year increase of 23%.  In comparison, 38% of candidates in the Swiss Romandy expected job market conditions to improve, a year-on-year decrease of -11%.

Overall confidence in the German-speaking region was 58%, a yearly increase of 9%, compared with a 46% confidence level in the Swiss Romandy which was a yearly decrease of 7%.

Across Switzerland the majority (61%) of job seekers did not expect to increase their compensation levels or achieve a better work-life balance (67% vs 65% last year). The drop in confidence on these measures was most pronounced in the Swiss Romandy. 

The index showed that 44% of candidates in the German-speaking region expected increased compensation levels, a decline of 2% over the year. In comparison, 37% of candidates in the Swiss Romandy expected increased compensation levels, a decline of 12%. Moreover, 41% of candidates in the German-speaking region expected better work-life balance, yearly increase of 26%. In comparison, 31% of candidates in the Swiss Romandy expected an improved work-life balance, a yearly decrease of 17%.

“Candidates understand that salary levels are often capped,” Jérôme Bouin, Managing Director, PageGroup Switzerland, said. “The majority take a pragmatic, longer term view and look for career advancement opportunities when they change jobs. This includes, for example, increased responsibilities, professional training and on-the-job development opportunities. Employers that demonstrate such development opportunities are more likely to attract top candidates”.