Job Index: A skills shift directly affecting businesses

The Swiss labour market enters 2026 with a slight upward trend. In the first quarter, the number of advertised vacancies increases by 0.7% compared with the previous quarter – a sign of stabilisation in an economic environment that remains challenging. At the same time, a structural transformation is underway in the background, with far greater implications for businesses than any short‑term economic fluctuation: transversal skills continue to gain importance. 

The new Adecco Group Swiss Job Market Index Q1 2026 makes this very clear: to successfully attract and retain talent today, competencies such as teamwork, self‑organisation and willingness to learn must be taken just as seriously as technical qualifications. 

A labour market between stabilisation and uncertainty 

The slight recovery of 0.7% in job vacancies is a positive signal, but it is not the only one. Companies are increasingly planning workforce expansion, as also confirmed by the KOF‑Employment Indicator. However, there is still no overall sense of relief: the unemployment rate stands at 3.2%, higher than at any point in the last five years. At the same time, geopolitical uncertainties such as trade conflicts and wars continue to dampen investment. 

Transversal skills – a clear trend since 2015, now even more visible 

In the Job Index Q1 2026, job advertisements are analysed in depth. Drawing on more than one million postings from the past eleven years, a robust trend becomes apparent – and not only since AI began shaping the world of work: transversal, cross‑occupational skills are on the rise and are now expected in almost all fields. 

Top 3 transversal skill areas (2015–2026): 

1. Self‑management: willingness to learn, proactive behaviour, independent working
2. Social and communication skills: teamwork, leadership, communication
3. Thinking and problem‑solving skills: analytical thinking, critical thinking, structuring 

Whether in administration, healthcare, engineering or IT, expectations and requirements beyond traditional technical qualifications are increasing across the board. It is not so much that new job profiles are emerging which demand a particularly high level of these skills; rather, expectations are changing in virtually all roles. 

“Transversal skills” as a competitive factor 

Modern work processes in many organisations have become more complex and dynamic. Teams are more interconnected, decision‑making paths are shorter, and technological tools enable greater autonomy in day‑to‑day work. As a result, the importance of transversal competencies is growing. 

The rising relevance of transversal skills is not primarily driven by AI. Even in occupations highly exposed to AI, their share is not higher. The observed skills shift has been underway for years and reflects a broad structural trend. 

For businesses, this is good news: investments made today – for example in training programmes for communication, self‑organisation, leadership or problem solving – will be more relevant than ever in the future. 

Recommendations for employers and companies 

Clear implications emerge for employers: recruitment processes need to make transversal skills more visible, for instance through behavioural interviews or practical simulations. At the same time, continuous learning is becoming increasingly important, as skill requirements within roles continue to evolve. Leadership that supports autonomous working is also required, providing orientation, coaching and appropriate frameworks. Equally crucial is corporate culture. In a dynamic working environment, development opportunities, transparency and modern collaboration become key drivers of employer attractiveness. 

In summary, while the labour market is showing signs of stabilisation, profound change is primarily evident in the competencies being sought. Transversal skills are now a central component of modern job profiles. This cross‑occupational trend is structural and sustainable. Companies that recognise it early and respond strategically strengthen their competitiveness. 

Read the full study here in German or French.