Skills shortage: one in five jobs remains unfilled

The shortage of skilled workers is currently an omnipresent phenomenon in Switzerland. As part of the "Employer Branding Study 2023", which was conducted in collaboration between the ZHAW and JobCloud, companies of all sizes and industries were surveyed about employer branding and the shortage of skilled workers. The study confirms that 56 % of employers in Switzerland are affected by a shortage of qualified employees. The skills shortage is particularly pronounced among large companies, while small companies suffer slightly less. "The acute shortage of skilled workers often leads to a veritable "war for talent" between employers in order to reach qualified employees on the market," says Davide Villa, CEO of JobCloud.

The study also shows that the shortage of skilled workers in Switzerland has far-reaching consequences for the recruitment of employees. If a vacancy cannot be filled after a lengthy search, 59% of companies prolong the search process. Hiring a compromise candidate is also an alternative for 34% of companies. Around a quarter of companies award a search mandate to external intermediaries or reduce their requirements in the job profile. Approximately one in five companies (21%) even completely forego filling the vacancy or outsource the sought-after function abroad or to third-party companies.

The companies surveyed attribute the recruitment difficulties to various factors. The main causes include a lack of qualified applicants and a lack of skills (35%), the general situation on the labor market (27%) and the high salary expectations of applicants (22%). Flexible working hours (17%), attractive conditions (15%) and additional benefits (10%) also play a role. "A particularly effective approach to the shortage of skilled workers is to use current employees as ambassadors to directly and proactively address potential applicants," says Dr. Adis Merdzanovic, lecturer at the Communication & Branding department at the ZHAW Institute of Marketing Management.

Online portals as support for employer branding

The study shows that, alongside social networks and personal contacts, online portals are also an important channel for strengthening one's own employer brand, as they are used by more than 40% of the study participants for employer branding. "As a provider in the digital recruitment market in Switzerland, JobCloud has many offers for customers to present themselves to potential candidates with a strong employer brand, such as the employer profiles on the jobs.ch or jobup.ch job portals," says Davide Villa.

As part of the "Employer Branding Study 2023", companies were also asked what measures they take to retain employees in the company in the long term. The most frequently mentioned measures were more flexible working hours (43%), salary increases and additional training opportunities (37%). Only six percent did not undertake any retention measures. "To increase employee loyalty, it is crucial to promote a strong sense of identification with the company, for example through a clear corporate culture, shared values and a pleasant working atmosphere. The company should also be aware of the individual needs and wishes of its employees and respond to them," says Dr. Adis Merdzanovic.

Source: www.jobcloud.ch