Swiss invest little time in continuing education, but more in retraining
Less than half of Swiss employees currently spend a significant amount of time on continuing education - the global average for this is 65%. If they do, it is most likely to be self-study. On the other hand, the Swiss are prepared to undergo complete retraining slightly more often than the global average. This is shown by a new study.
Globalization, digitization or artificial intelligence: Even if the long-term effects on the labor market are not completely foreseeable, new jobs with new requirements will emerge in the coming years.
Rather retraining than further training
Today, however, only 44% of Swiss employees are making themselves fit for these new requirements, which is significantly below the global average of 65%. But when we do train, it is most likely to be through self-study, "on the job" or via a traditional training institute. This is shown by the international labor market study Decoding Global Trends in Upskilling and Reskilling, for the JobCloud, the strategy consulting Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and the global job board network The Network surveyed 366,000 people from 180 nations. "We observe that managers are often concerned about whether their employees are ready to acquire new skills. The survey shows that there is still a need for action by business and politics to promote lifelong learning," says Daniel Kessler, BCG's head of Switzerland.
Great readiness for complete retraining
However, when it comes to acquiring new skills for a completely different job, the Swiss are ahead: 69% would be willing to retrain in response to the new requirements. There are clear differences in the occupational groups here: While people in sales (78%), management (77%) and consulting (75%) show a high willingness to do so, professionals in science and research (59%), social services (57%) and lawyers (57%) are significantly less willing to take on a completely new job. "Certain occupational groups are much more affected by digitization and need to demonstrate greater flexibility. The willingness for lifelong learning is therefore central," says Davide Villa, CEO of JobCloud AG.
Impact of new technologies and globalization
Swiss employees feel slightly less affected by new technologies and globalization in an international comparison. Almost half (46%) expect a strong personal impact from technologies (49% global average) and 41% from globalization (45% global average).
What skills will be in demand in the future
There is one point on which all employees across countries agree: In order to successfully master the demands of increasing globalization and automation, communication skills are by far the most important competencies that skilled workers will need to possess in the future. According to the Swiss, those who also have analytical skills and problem-solving abilities will be able to hold their own.
Source: JobCloud
