The labour market in the age of AI: opportunities and expectations for businesses
15 minutes
October 24, 2025 - 12:46 PM
Artificial intelligence is fundamentally transforming the Swiss labour market. Jobs are not disappearing, but the expectations placed on professionals are rising sharply. For companies, this means more selective recruitment, longer processes, and a strong focus on developing new skills.
In 2025, the Swiss labour market is undergoing a profound transformation. The Adecco Swiss Job Market Index shows that the number of entry-level positions has increased compared to the years before the pandemic. At the same time, artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping job profiles and recruitment processes. Companies are not facing fewer jobs, but higher expectations of applicants.
Automation is taking over routine tasks such as data preparation, reporting, application screening, and standard communication. Administrative, HR, communication, and management roles are particularly affected. While some operational tasks disappear, new positions are emerging in areas such as digital reporting, financial data analysis, AI-driven controlling, and AI governance. In sectors such as consulting, banking, and law, demand remains high, but with different expectations: alongside expertise, digital literacy, data understanding, and the ability to use AI effectively are becoming crucial.
For companies, this translates into longer and more selective recruitment processes, with a stronger focus on candidate fit. At the same time, economic uncertainty and geopolitical developments are leading to greater caution in hiring – especially in fields with high automation potential.
The strategic challenge is not job preservation but skill development. Reskilling and internal training are essential to prepare employees for new roles. Companies that invest early in learning and development programmes and build AI-related talent will strengthen their long-term competitiveness.
The Swiss labour market of 2025 makes it clear: opportunities remain, but expectations are rising. Businesses that view AI as a driver of efficiency and innovation, and align their workforce accordingly, will secure a decisive competitive advantage.
In 2025, the Swiss labour market is undergoing a profound transformation. The Adecco Swiss Job Market Index shows that the number of entry-level positions has increased compared to the years before the pandemic. At the same time, artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping job profiles and recruitment processes. Companies are not facing fewer jobs, but higher expectations of applicants.
Automation is taking over routine tasks such as data preparation, reporting, application screening, and standard communication. Administrative, HR, communication, and management roles are particularly affected. While some operational tasks disappear, new positions are emerging in areas such as digital reporting, financial data analysis, AI-driven controlling, and AI governance. In sectors such as consulting, banking, and law, demand remains high, but with different expectations: alongside expertise, digital literacy, data understanding, and the ability to use AI effectively are becoming crucial.
For companies, this translates into longer and more selective recruitment processes, with a stronger focus on candidate fit. At the same time, economic uncertainty and geopolitical developments are leading to greater caution in hiring – especially in fields with high automation potential.
The strategic challenge is not job preservation but skill development. Reskilling and internal training are essential to prepare employees for new roles. Companies that invest early in learning and development programmes and build AI-related talent will strengthen their long-term competitiveness.
The Swiss labour market of 2025 makes it clear: opportunities remain, but expectations are rising. Businesses that view AI as a driver of efficiency and innovation, and align their workforce accordingly, will secure a decisive competitive advantage.