Award winner Jörg Eugster (60) is the founder of various Internet start-ups, internationally sought-after Speaker and bestselling author. He is proud to have received a letter of thanks from German Chancellor Angela Merkel. He received it for his nonfiction book "The day after tomorrow - A journey through time to our digital future". received. Jörg Eugster - known for the color turquoise as his external trademark (right down to his socks...) - has now been awarded a prize by the industry association IAB Switzerland for his life's work to date.

Jörg Eugster as ambassador for the future

In his bestseller published in 2017, the author transports the readership to the year 2030. It is obvious that in this digitized future, a pandemic would be much more manageable than it was in the spring of 2020. Easy to read, the book presents topics such as the Internet of Things, Artificial Intelligence and Virtual Reality, among many others. The focus is on the business world of tomorrow and how companies can prepare for it. The book ends with an outlook into the year 2050, which will be the focus of his next book.

Digital DNA

"Our winner is a person with a digital DNA." This was stated by Ueli Weber, representing IAB Switzerland, in his laudation for the winner of the Digital Lifetime Award 2020. The award ceremony took place online on November 25, 2020, due to corona. Weber, CEO of the market research company Media Focus Switzerland, referred among other things to the entrepreneurial achievement of Jörg Eugster. The Appenzeller had founded and successfully sold the online platforms Jobwinner, Swissfriends and Webcams.travel. Today, he is active as a board member in various companies.

Free knowledge

In 2005, Jörg Eugster first put his digital knowledge on paper with the publication "Wie fischt man Kunden aus dem Internet. After three editions with a total of 32,000 copies, Eugster decided to keep the print product alive as an online platform. This was done under the name "wifimaku". In 2018, Eugster made this platform, on which 20 other authors had worked for free, available to the industry association IAB Switzerland. "I did this for free. I just wanted the knowledge in online marketing to reach as many people as possible," explains Jörg Eugster.

Keynote speaker who sees the opportunities of digitization in particular

From being a sought-after online marketing expert, he has increasingly become an enthusiastic ambassador for the digital future, speaking about his practical experiences in front of large audiences at congresses and summits. However, unlike many worriers, Jörg Eugster, as a passionate digitalization optimist, does not stoke fear of robots and artificial intelligence - quite the opposite. He loves to bring the huge potential of the digital revolution to the world as a publicist and speaker and to infect people with his enormous digital enthusiasm.

As a keen observer, he continues to follow interesting digital developments around the world and regularly reports on them on his blog https://eugster.info/blog/.

Now that the reality show of the US election has come to an end (with a satisfactory outcome for most Swiss), it is interesting to look at what we can learn from it for our leadership. And by that I don't mean the actual content of the discussion (which had been pushed into the background anyway), but the circumstances that made the course of events so exciting for many. Because I was not the only one who found it almost pleasant that the topic of Corona was pushed to second place in the news for a few weeks. We can learn a lot from this for our communication and our influence, especially as leaders.

Hardly anyone cared about the US election

Because whether you found all the fuss necessary or annoying, there's hardly anyone who didn't care at all. And that's why the question arises as to what's so fascinating about it. Because the mechanisms that determine your influence hardly have anything to do with the content, but very much with other parameters.

Here's the thing: to achieve any change in your company or team, you depend on the commitment of your people. So what levers can we take from the American campaign into our leadership repertoire?

We can take these levers from the U.S. election campaign

1. Target clarity. The goal in the American presidential campaign is very clear: to get the majority of the electorate as the sum of the individual states. It is not important at this point whether the method for doing this is the best, but whether the goal is simple and clear. Here's the question for you: how clear and simple are your goals if you want to achieve change with your team? Most people I know tend to drive in the fog. Instead of one, there are often 27 different goals. That's how you lose your people.
2. Emotional connection. Achieving the clear goal in the U.S. election campaign is extremely emotionally charged. Whether we think it's exaggerated or not, it binds people's attention. And that is precisely an important aspect of achieving goals: we need the emotional energy of those involved. Too often, I see far too little passion and thus energy even in the implementation of strategies.
3. Will to win. You may think the doggedness of some players in the American election campaign is dangerous (as I do), but I tend to see the opposite in most companies: indifference about the future. "It will work out somehow" is not a conducive thought if you want to achieve great things. People very much like to follow leaders with a clear will to win.

As you can see, there are many things you can learn from controversial events and apply to yourself. Remember this the next time you want to implement strategic initiatives or other change.

To the author:
Volkmar Völzke is a success maximizer. Book author. Consultant. Coach. Speaker. www.volkmarvoelzke.ch

Between 2016, when the shortage of skilled workers was measured for the first time as part of the Skilled Workers Shortage Index Switzerland, and 2019, the shortage of skilled workers has increased every year. In 2020, the index decreased for the first time, by 17%. This is shown by the Skilled Worker Shortage Index of the Adecco Group Switzerland and the Job Market Monitor Switzerland of the University of Zurich. COVID-19 has changed the situation on the Swiss labor market very quickly. In most professions, the number of vacancies is decreasing, while the number of job seekers is increasing. Nevertheless, there is still a shortage of skilled workers in various professions. "The first wave of the Covid-19 pandemic unsettled companies. They were hesitant to hire new staff or, at times, did not hire at all. In the second wave, by contrast, they can build on their experience. They are now recruiting more staff again despite the restrictive measures," comments Monica Dell'Anna, CEO of Adecco Group Switzerland.

Travel restrictions cause mobility of skilled workers to decline

The demand for skilled workers is not falling everywhere. Luca Semeraro, Head of Professional Recruitment, explains: "The Corona crisis has done little to change the shortage of skilled workers in professions such as engineering, IT, technology or medicine. We experience on a daily basis how intensively companies are looking for specialists in these areas. In some cases, it is very difficult to recruit suitable personnel. For example, the regional mobility of specialists has decreased due to the uncertainty caused by travel restrictions. But even in professions that are generally not affected by a shortage of specialists, there is a shortage of many specialists in some areas." Corinne Scheiber, responsible for Adecco Medical, specifies, "Well-trained nursing professionals, especially those specializing in intensive care, are currently in high demand."

In occupations where the oversupply of skilled workers was already particularly high in 2019, the situation for job seekers is becoming even more acute as a result of the Corona crisis. More and more job seekers are meeting fewer and fewer vacancies. "The unemployment rate is high right now. In customer-oriented service occupations such as hospitality or sales, the situation has become particularly acute compared to last year. It is currently difficult for job seekers in these professions to find work again. This is because the number of vacancies has decreased and competition from the increasing number of other job seekers is high," says Helen Buchs from the Job Market Monitor Switzerland at the University of Zurich.

Skills shortage despite Corona

The need for skilled workers remains particularly high in the professions of human medicine and pharmacy. They will continue to experience a high shortage of skilled workers in 2020. These occupations recorded a large increase in vacancies before the "lockdown" in March 2020 and maintained this level afterwards. Thus, while there are more job seekers in these professions in 2020 than there were in 2019, there are also more vacancies. According to Corinne Scheiber, "Doctors are still in high demand. Among other things, the population is getting older and there is therefore a need for sufficient medical staff, regardless of economic crises. At Adecco Medical, for example, we are seeing an increase in requests in the fields of geriatrics and gerontopsychiatry, as well as in emergency medicine."

Digitization means that more and more information technologies are being used on the labor market and therefore IT skills are needed. This is reflected in the still great demand for skilled workers in IT occupations, where there is a shortage of skilled workers despite the Corona slump. Semeraro comments, "The results of the Skilled Worker Shortage Index Switzerland 2020 underscore the assessment of the ICT Vocational Training Switzerland association: the number of ICT jobs is significantly higher than the number of corresponding unemployed. The pace of change in IT is rapid. Companies are always on the lookout for new qualifications. Job seekers are often a small step behind."

Demand for skilled workers in the service sector down sharply

It is noticeable that there is a large oversupply of skilled workers in various professions with rather low qualification requirements in the service sector. Compared to 2019, the number of vacancies has continued to decrease and unemployment has continued to increase. The Corona crisis is therefore hitting these professions particularly hard. As expected, the number of job seekers in hospitality occupations is also rising, while at the same time fewer new staff are being sought here.

The greatest oversupply of skilled workers in 2020 will be in the commercial professions. These professions have suffered particularly from the Corona crisis. Indeed, the number of vacancies has decreased significantly. Semeraro says: "The Corona crisis has once again boosted the automation and digitization processes in the commercial and administrative professions. In addition, new recruits are being cut here in emergency situations, because jobs in the commercial area usually do not lead directly to income. But outsourcing and general downsizing are also likely to play a role in the oversupply."

The oversupply of skilled workers is also very pronounced in the cleaning, hygiene and personal care occupations. Unlike other occupations at the bottom of the ranking, however, the oversupply has not changed much as a result of the Corona crisis.

German-speaking Switzerland: Shortage of skilled workers index falls by -21%

In summary: In German-speaking Switzerland, the Skilled Worker Shortage Index Switzerland is falling more sharply than in French- and Italian-speaking Switzerland. Nevertheless, the Swiss-German Skilled Workers Shortage Index is above the average for Switzerland as a whole. In engineering in particular, the demand for skilled workers among companies in German-speaking Switzerland remains high, as the number of vacancies here has only fallen slightly. Engineering occupations occupy first place in the ranking. In 2020, commercial and administrative occupations simultaneously recorded fewer vacancies and more job seekers than in the previous year. Because they now have the greatest oversupply of skilled workers in terms of the numerical importance of the occupation, they now occupy last place in the ranking.

Source: Spring Professionals (a company of the Adecco Group)

First of all, there is positive news on the Swiss export situation: According to the Export Forecast of the credit risk insurer Euler Hermes, the export index currently stands at 0.71 points. This value is above the long-term average growth rate of the Swiss export industry. Within the last three months, the forecast has increased significantly, but is still below the previous year's level, reports Euler Hermes. After the deep slump caused by the Corona pandemic in the spring, a countermovement set in from May. As the development of the forecast shows, this continued until the end of September, but tended to weaken. In October, the leading indicator then recorded a slight rebound. Provided that the trend reversal observed in October does not worsen, the Euler Hermes Export Indicator currently suggests that the export economy will grow at an above-average rate in the coming months.

Trend reversal due to poor sentiment indicators

According to Stefan Ruf, CEO Euler Hermes Switzerland, the deteriorating investor and consumer sentiment is responsible for the trend reversal in the October forecast. Rising Covid 19 infections are again weighing on consumer confidence, which is having a direct impact on the service sector. Volatility in the financial markets has also increased again. Ruf further clarifies: "The economy in Europe suffered particularly from the pandemic in the last six months. Now, with the second wave of Covid 19, there is the threat of new trouble. The Swiss export industry will also be affected. The probability of a further slide in economic development is increasing."

Decline in growth expected in fourth quarter

Following the record decline in the second quarter of 2020, Swiss foreign trade recovered significantly in the subsequent quarter. Seasonally adjusted exports rose by 6.5 percent (+9.9 percent in real terms), matching the quarterly level of three years ago in terms of sales. Imports also increased by 11.5 percent (+9.0 percent in real terms). However, after the strong economic recovery in the months of May to September, Euler Hermes expects the export situation to set back significantly again in the final quarter of 2020. Overall, the Swiss economy is expected to contract by 4.7 percent in 2020 (2021: +2.6 percent) and Swiss exports to decline by 7 percent (2021: +5.6 percent). "Even if Switzerland is still resisting a second national lockdown, another economic setback is unlikely to be avoided given heightened contagion concerns and the economy's dependence on exports," said Katharina Utermöhl, European economist at Euler Hermes. "A sustained recovery in economic momentum is not expected until the second half of 2021 - provided a vaccine against the virus can be distributed widely by then."

Export situation in Germany recovers rapidly

What applies to Switzerland can largely be applied to Germany, arguably our most important trading partner. According to the economic outlook published by Deutsche Industriebank IKB, the mood of the economy in our northern neighbor has - not surprisingly - clouded over. Even though the development of the manufacturing sector in Germany has recently proved stable, the current lockdown and above all the economic uncertainties are weighing on expectations. However, these burdens are more short-term in nature, according to IKB. Although GDP is expected to decline again in the fourth quarter of 2020, the outlook for 2021 is still considered too negative in many cases. Increasing vaccination rates and global economic growth initiated by China and other Asian countries should ensure a dynamic economic trend, especially in the second half of 2021, and increasingly replace catch-up effects as growth drivers. German industry was already able to ramp up production again quickly after the lockdown in the spring. Next year IKB expects GDP growth in Germany of around 5 %. The main drivers are likely to be less investment than exports and private consumption. These are ambivalent prospects for Swiss export companies: Depending on which sectors - consumer goods or capital goods - they operate in, things could either pick up again quickly, or the lean period will continue.

World trade indicators develop more positively than expected

Until recently, the development of world trade was encouraging. Whereas in the first half of the year the WTO was still predicting a decline in global trade volumes of more than 20 percent, a slump of less than 10 percent is currently anticipated. Freight prices have recently reached a new record high and container throughput has even exceeded the level it reached before the Corona crisis. The dynamic development of world trade is closely linked to the recovery of the raw materials markets and industry in general. For example, the J.P. Morgan global purchasing managers' index reached a new multi-year high of 53 points at the end of October. Further, most labor markets worldwide recovered in August and September, but no further improvement was observed in October.

Sources: Euler Hermes, IKB Deutsche Industriebank AG

Due to the Corona pandemic, the main construction industry has already lost 1.2 billion Swiss francs in sales since the beginning of the year. Added to this are costs for safety measures and lower productivity. This is shown by the latest quarterly survey of the Swiss Association of Master Builders (SBC). After the easing measures in the summer, there are at least initial signs of a certain stabilization on the market, it continues. With the 5-point plan, public builders could have been motivated to accelerate planning work, approval procedures and awards. However, some public builders are still reluctant to support the economy by awarding contracts, regrets the main construction industry association. Based on the joint construction index with Credit Suisse, it expects total annual sales of just over CHF 19 billion this year, around 7% less than in 2019, which would be the lowest level since 2015.

Residential and commercial construction continue to show decline in sales

Total sales in the main construction sector fell by -11% in Q3 2020 compared to the same period last year. The residential construction division had experienced a sharp correction in Q2, with its sales falling dramatically by -27% to 1.3 billion Swiss francs. Meanwhile, in the current quarter, its sales increased slightly to 1.4 billion Swiss francs, but this still represents -18% compared to Q3 2019.

Signals for recovery in the market

Nevertheless, the first tentative signs of recovery can be discerned in the market. Commercial builders were also more confident from July to September, i.e. even before the second Corona wave. They placed more construction orders again (+11%) and restarted temporarily halted construction projects, so that the commercial construction division was able to stabilize its sales to some extent in the 3rd quarter at -3% after the sharp drop in sales of -17% in the 2nd quarter (compared with the respective prior-year period).

Nearly six percent fewer orders for public civil engineering in the main construction sector

It is also encouraging that the appeals of the five-point plan are having some effect. The plan calls on public builders to clear the way for construction projects without the need for new funds. However, too many public builders are still hesitant to award contracts. Since the beginning of the year, new orders remain -3.5% below the prior-year level. In the important public civil engineering sector in particular, the decline is still large at -5.5%. Cantonal contracting authorities in particular can cushion the recession and preserve jobs by speeding up planning work, approval procedures and contract awards. This means that public builders should process and bring forward orders that have already been planned instead of putting the brakes on them. They must also find ways to process private building applications quickly so as not to block the relevant construction projects arbitrarily.

Source: Swiss Association of Master Builders

Reputation Experience Management (RXM) - a combination of customer experience and online reputation management - aims to unite these two areas, focus on and satisfy customers, and thus look better as a company. The key is to collect feedback from various sources, evaluate it and turn it into actionable insights. As a result, you can improve your own performance, thereby optimizing the customer experience and consequently enhancing the brand's reputation. The following checklist will help you to anchor a professional RXM in your company step by step and sustainably.

1. bring the departments and people concerned to the table

Reputation Experience Management requires the joint commitment not only of the marketing and CX departments, but of almost all areas of the company - from operational customer service to the compliance team and management. Convince all affected departments of the benefits and clarify in advance who will decide on the introduction of RXM and who will be responsible for the program in the company.

2. check the status quo of your online reputation

First, assess how your current online presence is doing. You may already be working on your digital image in some areas. If so, evaluate the effectiveness of the tools you're using and check to see if there are any gaps anywhere. Make sure the Google My Business pages for all your locations are under your management, you are listed in all relevant industry portals and your social media presences are up to date

3. define the goals for your reputation experience management program

Depending on how you are already positioned, it is important to formulate corresponding goals, where your reputation experience management should start. Consider which goals you want to achieve in the short term and which you need to address in the long term, such as a higher star average on Google, an improved image in comparison with the industry or more sales.

4. develop a scoping document

Record all goals and responsibilities in a concept and supplement this with a roadmap for the introduction. Define concrete milestones with corresponding deadlines. This way, management and the affected departments know exactly what is to be realized in which phase of the introduction.

5. choose the appropriate software support

Use the scoping document to determine which platform best meets your business needs. When selecting software, make sure that all RXM components integrate seamlessly and provide reliable, automated online monitoring for multiple sites and websites (if you have them). At the same time, it's important that the solution works with intuitive, easy-to-understand and clear dashboards, and offers powerful analytics and reporting tools.

6. set up your tools appropriately

Consider carefully whether you need a holistic software solution or just individual tools. Keep in mind which functions are important for your goals. It's helpful if the tool can be implemented in a modular fashion, adapted and expanded as needed - because even though you may not need all the features now, your needs may grow in the future. Thinking ahead today can save you more costs tomorrow.

7. start your reputation experience management

If all signs are pointing to "Go!", start your reputation and customer experience management by getting found online - for example, in business directories, on social media and, of course, on Google. Generate customer reviews and respond to them professionally. Evaluate feedback and draw conclusions about your company and your digital presence. Then regularly check whether your processes are working and the measures are having the desired effect. Here, the reporting options within an RXM platform are suitable for achieving a quick gain in knowledge.

Reputation Experience Management helps you do more for your brand

Reputation Experience Management ensures the positive and consistent expression of strong brands. The combination of online reputation and customer experience management guarantees future viability. As a result, companies not only have a strong competitive advantage over competitors who do not engage in RXM, but also benefit from greater trust in their brand and thus from new and stronger customer relationships. Reputation.com's "Reputation Experience Management" guide provides further information - including numerous examples and 5 must-haves for effective RXM. Download now for free: https://bit.ly/33btdzn!

Author:
Marina Hedvizak is Marketing Manager DACH at Reputation.com. She has relevant marketing experience both on the agency side and in companies from various industries, including the automotive and energy sectors. As a marketing all-rounder, she is familiar with PR and event management as well as online and classic marketing.

According to the fourth edition of the Mastercard Index of Women Entrepreneurs (MIWE), released in November 2020, Switzerland is in the top 3 for the first time. The report says it makes visible the socioeconomic contributions of women entrepreneurs and offers insights into factors that promote or inhibit their advancement. MIWE 2020 is based on publicly available data from leading international organizations such as the OECD and the International Labor Organization (ILO) and represents nearly 80 % of the female workforce.

Upswing for female entrepreneurship in Switzerland

In the current edition of MIWE, Switzerland has improved greatly compared to previous surveys. The increase was from 65.2 (rank 11) in 2019 to 71.5 this year. Switzerland owes this rise in part to significantly improved support for SMEs (+37 % from 73.8 to 101.2) and a change in society's perception of entrepreneurs (+45 % from 65.3 to 95) and women entrepreneurs (+26 % from 65.3 to 95). In addition, Switzerland has so far been one of the most successful economies in the world in granting COVID-19 aid packages and emergency aid to companies (rank 6).

Gender-oriented policy promotes women's entrepreneurial success

Ahead of Switzerland in first place, Israel is the world's leading country for female entrepreneurship, moving from 4th place to first in 2019. Israel's top position makes it clear that gender-specific support measures are achieving rapid and significant results. With an ambition to double the number of female entrepreneurs within two years, Israel's success is due to targeted government support for SMEs.

The economies with the best framework conditions for women entrepreneurs in 2020 present themselves as follows:

MIWE 2020 results confirm that female entrepreneurship thrives especially in high-income and developed economies such as Switzerland, Israel, the United States, New Zealand, and Poland, where the level of prejudice against female entrepreneurs is low, access to education and financial support is high, and the entrepreneurial environment is good. Most countries (34 out of 58) show stable MIWE scores ranging from 60 to 70 such as Thailand (66.9), Taiwan (66.6), Colombia (66.3), the Philippines (65.5), France (65.1), Russia (64.6) and Germany (63.0).

COVID-19 leads to setbacks, but also holds opportunities

Women have been particularly hard hit by the COVID-19 pandemic: In the high-income economies studied, such as Israel, Singapore, Switzerland, and the United States, 70 % of women entrepreneurs reported experiencing disadvantages as a result of the Corona crisis. Overrepresentation in industries most affected by the economic downturn and increasing pressures from childcare are just some of the factors that put women in a particularly difficult position.

At the same time, the report sees signs that the pandemic could prove to be a catalyst encouraging decision-makers to take gender-specific measures: Women politicians in particular have shown leadership in crisis management around the world, boosting the reputation of female executives. Moreover, during the crisis, it is evident that women have a high capacity to adapt: 42 % of female entrepreneurs surveyed switched to a digital business model since the start of the pandemic and 34 % identified new business opportunities.

Further promoting female entrepreneurship

Daniela Massaro, Country Manager of Mastercard Switzerland comments on the current situation as follows: "A crisis will always highlight weaknesses in the system and COVID-19 has done that in spades. We see the extent of inequality, but we also perceive positive momentum and progress. The question is: Are we brave enough to seize the opportunity to act accordingly? Or will we stick with a dysfunctional system that will be reinforced by the pandemic? These points should be addressed and considered by decision makers as they take action to move out of the crisis."

Mastercard says it wants MIWE to lead by example in inclusion and diversity, providing an information base that empowers governments, businesses and individuals to take action to implement targeted gender-based support to realize gender parity. In 2020, Mastercard expanded its global commitment to financial inclusion and pledged to bring a total of one billion people and 50 million micro and small businesses into the digital economy by 2025, according to the company's statement. As part of this effort, it said a focus will be on providing 25 million women entrepreneurs with solutions to help them grow their businesses. This will be done through a series of measures that combine funding, mentoring and the development of inclusive technologies.

Source and further information: www.mastercard.com

Plastic products based on nutshells or coffee grounds? It's possible - thanks to the technology of FluidSolids AG. Beat Karrer and his team are behind this still young company. They have succeeded in producing biocomposites from biological waste as well as residual materials. This means an innovative solution for the circular economy.

Combining economy with ecology

Industrial designer Beat Karrer started a little over ten years ago. "As an industrial designer, we regularly experiment and tinker with new materials. Back then, we were looking for alternative raw materials for plastics that we could use instead of petroleum-based materials. We found a solution in cellulosic materials," says Beat Karrer. Initial formulations were tinkered with in a design workshop. These were then optimized in the design studio so that the first prototypes, such as bowls or even a stool, could quickly be successfully produced. In 2011, a patent application was filed. "Then we got serious about the business model," Karrer recalls. A CTI-funded project was implemented with the Rapperswil University of Applied Sciences, various innovation competitions were participated in, and an invitation from the USA also followed. All this eventually led to increased interest from industry. "The 'golden' thing about our idea is probably the successful linking of sustainability with economic feasibility," is Beat Karrer's assessment. "A solution is only truly sustainable when it is just as convincing economically as it is ecologically."

New plastic products from residual materials

The end products are so-called biocomposites, i.e. composite materials consisting of a natural polymer matrix into which fibers and additives are incorporated. The fibers can come from waste materials such as nutshells, corncobs, wood chips, cotton fibers, etc. Through appropriate process technology, waste materials can be returned to a value-added cycle instead of being disposed of. The biocomposites produced using FluidSolids' technology can then be processed into various plastic end products using conventional methods such as injection molding or extrusion. "Our technology is now widespread in the fashion sector: some clothing manufacturers are already using our process to process residual materials into clothes hangers or packaging materials, for example," explains Beat Karrer.

Great interest from the industry

On the one hand, FluidSolids AG operates its own plants for the production of biocomposites. On the other hand, the company sees itself as a technology supplier. The focus as customers is on major brand-name companies from various industries that can recycle their residual materials in this way and replace conventional plastics with biodegradable ones. "We don't want to demonize plastics per se," Beat Karrer specifies. "We are much more concerned with increasing the use of biocomposites, especially for single-use products." After all, the real problem with petrochemical plastics is their use in short-lived products such as plastic bags.

Innovation funding good, but...

For its contribution to reducing the environmental impact of biodegradable plastics and promoting the circular economy, FluidSolids AG received the IDEE-SUISSE Golden Idea Award on November 18, 2020. And the idea also found favor with investors. Three financing rounds were successfully completed. Beat Karrer states: "The promotion of innovation in Switzerland works very well. But it's more difficult when it comes to financing for further development to market maturity." He regrets that many a start-up therefore moves abroad and thus engages in an - actually unenforced - technology export. Karrer appreciates the award all the more as recognition and appreciation of the many years of work. The next goals on the agenda are further consolidation, an expansion of the R&D department, and the acquisition of new customers.

More information: FluidSolids AG

Following a successful pilot project, AXA is launching the "Work Climate Compass" for SMEs in collaboration with the German startup DearEmployee, initially in German-speaking Switzerland. The offer is available to the insurer's SME customers. With it, AXA supports small and medium-sized companies in making psychosocial risks in the workplace visible and in using their resources specifically for the health of their employees. Current figures show that this meets a need. According to the Federal Statistical Office, 21 percent of employees very often suffer from stress at work. Almost half of the stressed individuals feel emotionally exhausted at work and consequently have a higher risk of burnout (BFS, 2019). On the corporate side, work stress results in productivity losses estimated at over seven billion Swiss francs per year (Gesundheitsförderung Schweiz, 2020).

Rapid tool for the evaluation of mental stress in the workplace

The "Work Climate Compass" is based on a survey methodology scientifically developed and validated by DearEmployee, which provides companies with continuous insights into which working conditions place a psychological strain on their employees. In addition to mental health, the innovative method also covers currently important topics such as working in a home office (accessibility, flexible working), social isolation or digital competence.

The tool works quickly and easily, with employees answering an online questionnaire whose results and recommended actions derived from them are available to the company just a few minutes later. DearEmployee's software is also equipped with artificial intelligence that adapts in the background to the specifics of employees' industries and areas of activity.

Appropriate measures immediately after the survey of the personal condition

Immediately after viewing the results and recommendations for action, the company can find and book suitable solutions via the DearEmployee marketplace - e.g. leadership coaching and courses, time management workshops or digital mindfulness courses. "This is what sets the new product apart," says Henning Jakob, CEO and co-founder of DearEmployee, explaining, "Employees usually have to wait months, if not years, for suitable measures to be offered to them, because supervisors first have to get an overview of the plethora of measures and solution providers. This wastes a lot of time that could actually be used more wisely."

Measures to prevent mental illness in the workplace

The causes of mental illnesses are manifold and lie not only in the private sphere but also in the professional sphere. Symptoms of mental illness are recognized late and often not interpreted correctly. As a result, stressed employees are either not offered any measures or are offered ineffective measures. The "Work Climate Compass" aims to change that. "We are pleased to have found an innovative and at the same time professionally strong partner in DearEmployee," says Claudia Bienentreu, head of the AXA Open Innovation Team. "This allows us to offer our corporate customers a quick and professional solution to help promote mental health in the workplace."

Source and further information: AXA

While in the first Corona wave in the spring, layoffs were still rather slowed down, partly thanks to short-time work, and companies were still holding back with layoffs, the Swiss industry association for outplacement ACF (Swiss Association of Companies for Personal and Organizational Change) has observed a significant increase again since September. It seems that a certain market and industry correction has accelerated. As further reasons, the ACF sees that some companies have brought forward planned reorganizations, but some have also put their restructuring plans on hold precisely because of Corona, while at the same time investing somewhat less in existing employees.

Outplacement consulting will increase

The Swiss outplacement industry association therefore expects a second wave of redundancies in the winter half-year, although the extent is still uncertain. Depending on the development and also the possible tightening of the current measures by the federal government and the cantons, the labor market will subsequently also recover with a corresponding delay. According to ACF, the demand for professional consulting and personalized services in the area of outplacement and newplacement, assignments and coaching, not least to avoid wrong decisions in recruitment or promotions, will therefore continue to increase.

Digitization accelerates job cuts or switch to new job profiles

According to the results of the ACF member survey, in addition to the ability to address the labor market professionally, the psychological aspects of work will become more important. The abrupt change in the world of work has accelerated trends such as flexible working, leadership accompanied by high emotional competence and further training in digital skills.
As is well known, the travel, event and catering industries are currently particularly affected. However, according to ACF experts, these are not the industries that can provide special support to their employees during separations. The outplacement association therefore expects that the situation will continue to worsen and that in 2021, when the federal government will no longer be able to provide equal support with measures such as short-time work, hardly any industry will be spared.

This is not always out of necessity, however, but also due to accelerated digitization, which will also lead to changes and job cuts or changes to new job profiles. Sectors and companies that have not yet restructured much in this respect or that still have a lot of work to do are therefore also likely to be affected, for example in banks, retail and administrative services, but also in the chemical or mechanical engineering industries.

Longer application processes for job-seeking managers?

According to the survey of members of the outplacement industry association, managers who have lost their jobs are expressing the same uncertainties and fears as in the past, only somewhat more intensely at present: the abrupt change in the labor market as a result of the Corona crisis is leading to longer application processes, fewer job advertisements, and more competitors. In many cases, people wait and see, and it becomes more difficult to re-enter the job market, especially for job seekers over the age of 50. The Outplacement Association is therefore currently registering an increase in outplacement consulting, especially for specialists and managers. So far, there are no indications that a sustainable solution will not be found in the near future. However, the search duration is about 1-2 months longer than the average values of the last few years in all age categories.

A lot of patience and high network activity required

What application strategy is needed now in the current Corona crisis for specialists and managers? For the experts of the Swiss industry association for outplacement it is clear: The job market is solid, but slowed down. Therefore, a lot of patience is needed, and for an active search the understanding of the social environment, creativity, initiative and flexibility, and especially a high level of networking activity. It is essential to make professional and active use of all channels on the job market, such as social media, advertisements, personal networks, headhunters, recruiters and spontaneous applications.

Professional outplacement counseling can help to get into the so-called "hidden job market" in addition to direct or accompanied job applications, because every outplacement counselor also has a large personal network of potential employers. According to ACF experts, however, it is more important that the person concerned learns how to activate his or her own network and thus obtain relevant information. Most of those affected are too shy and reserved in this respect.

Outplacement consulting as support for RAV?

As part of the federal government's 2020-2022 impulse program with measures to promote reintegration, the counseling services offered by the regional employment centers (RAV) for older people and job-seekers whose re-entry into the labor market is difficult are to be expanded and improved. According to the Swiss Outplacement Association (ACF), professional help and support from outplacement companies could also make a valuable contribution here, in addition to the projects of the cantons and the employment centers.

In particular, the measures in the area of location assessment for adults and integration counseling for older job seekers could be ideally implemented and supported by the competence of the specialized consulting companies in outplacement and newplacement. In addition to labor market capability checks, potential analysis and career counseling, a second opinion or more intensive counseling for future self-employment, coupled with a start-up, could also represent meaningful and individually tailored support offers for sustainable reintegration.

Source: ACF

The Swiss Cyber Security Days are probably the most important event in Switzerland in the field of cyber security. The two-day event will take place on March 10 and 11, 2021, in a form adapted to the protection requirements currently in force, with a conference and networking at the Forum Fribourg. At the same time, all interested parties can participate via the new online platform "SCSD 365", which will be launched in January 2021. Keynotes will either be delivered on-site or streamed via audiovisual technologies. Virtual breakout rooms will be used to stream expert tracks and best practice presentations.

"SCSD 365" Cyber Security for All

According to its own description, the "SCSD 365" platform aims to offer an "impressive symbiosis of classic conferences and live communication with the diversity of digital information and interaction options. It puts relevant cybersecurity topics up for discussion for all interested parties throughout the year. The concept provides for trade fair-like communication tools such as virtual booths, a marketplace with product presentation or communication channels to generate contacts and leads. Partners and interested companies have the opportunity to present themselves at "SCSD 365" throughout the year and to exchange ideas with customers, experts from business, politics, federal and cantonal administrations and research at all levels. The annual platform "SCSD 365" and hybrid events will form an integral part of the Swiss Cyber Security Days in the future.

Program Focus National Security

In the main conference part of the Swiss Cyber Security Days 2021, in addition to ongoing topical issues, the focus will be on topics that bring meaning and purpose back into cyberspace, as well as the currently primarily profit-oriented influence of digitization on society, health, politics, the economy and individuals. For the core topic "National Cybersecurity", top personalities such as the head of the Armed Forces, Corps Commander Thomas Süssli, the President of the ETH Lausanne, Martin Vetterli, as well as the Federal Delegate for Cybersecurity, Florian Schütz, have already confirmed their participation. Among others, Michael Hengartner, President of the ETH Board, is invited to a second basic topic "Identity and Privacy". Other core topics include e-government, hyper-connected society, data protection, IoT, artificial intelligence and 5G.

SMEs as a focus at the Swiss Cyber Security Days 2021

March 11 is designated as the national "SME Day" with an integrated special program targeting SMEs and their specific cyber security needs. The aim is to raise awareness of cyber risks with an awareness-raising campaign aimed at small and medium-sized enterprises. Specific cases of attacks on Swiss companies and their consequences are also discussed. Here, too, the SCSD rely on the core values of transparency, knowledge transfer, open communication and discussion.

More information: Swiss Cyber Security Days

Automotive professions such as automotive mechatronics technician, automotive specialist or automotive assistant: These are in demand among young people. In addition, there are basic training programs in the commercial and retail sectors. Around 3,000 school leavers take up an apprenticeship in a garage every year.

Attractive car professions

A recent study also underscores the attractiveness of automotive professions. Researchers Irene Kriesi and Ariane Basler from the Swiss Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training examined, among other things, how the desired professions of young people between the ages of 15 and 21 develop and what factors influence them. The analysis showed that at age 15, young men most often want to become computer scientists, professional athletes or car mechanics. The results are based on data from the Swiss Children and Youth Survey COCON and are presented in the 23rd issue of the journal Social Chance in Switzerland.

Depending on the post-compulsory education

The study shows that the status of the desired occupations is closely linked to the type of post-compulsory education. Young people who go to high school want occupations with a higher social status than young people in a vocational apprenticeship. But this is precisely where automotive professions can show their full strength: They offer future prospects with interesting and attractive development as well as promotion opportunities. After completing basic training, there is a wide range of promising further education options, and thanks to permeability, professionals from the automotive industry have the same opportunities as graduates of a secondary school.

The fascination of the car still works

The desire for individual mobility of the still growing Swiss population as well as the technological development in the field of drive technologies and driver assistance systems contribute to the attractiveness of the automotive professions. The Auto Gewerbe Verband Schweiz (AGVS) and its education partners are committed to excellent quality in education and training and thus ensure that the automotive industry has well-trained professionals with up-to-date technical knowledge and skills.

Source: AGVS