The job market in Geneva
It is predicted that Switzerland could face a labour shortfall of around half a million workers by 2030, so foreign workers, especially in highly-skilled sectors, are in demand across the country. If you would like to join in, here is some key information about Geneva's labour market.
The local labour market
Geneva's primary industries are international organisations and NGOs, research institutes such as CERN, and tourism. Geneva is also an important financial centre and is home to many private banking firms.
According to a recent report, the top five jobs in demand in Geneva in 2018 were: skilled technicians; trust and fiduciary services (including auditors, tax advisers etc); doctors, medical assistants and pharmacists; engineers; and IT jobs.
The country recently increased employment permits for non-EU workers due to a demand from the cities of Basel, Zurich and Geneva. This means that while EU nationals are still able to live and work in Switzerland with relative ease, there is now an increased opportunity for non-EU workers to take up these roles.
Employment and unemployment in Geneva
Geneva has one of the highest rates of unemployment in the country (5.3%), but the city's employment rate is increasing ( 9.2%). In fact, the number of jobs available in Switzerland is growing. In 2012, there were 51,000 vacancies compared to 62,000 vacancies in 2017. Part-time employment is also becoming increasingly popular in the country.
Good to know:
The unemployment rate in Switzerland is highest among foreigners at 5.9%.
The working schedule in Geneva
On average, full-time Swiss employees work 41.6 hours a week, about an hour more than the EU average. Full-time employees are entitled to 20 days of paid leave a year - less than in many other European countries. But, this is in addition to public holidays. Geneva has ten public holidays per year, including Jeûne genevois - translated to 'Genevan Fast' in English - a historically religious holiday that is now more traditionally accompanied by eating a plum pie.
Wages in Geneva
Wages are high in Geneva compared to the rest of the country - but there is no set national minimum wage, so be prepared to negotiate your salary.
The most promising fields in Geneva for expats
In Geneva, most people are employed in the tertiary sector, but foreign workers take up a wide range of jobs in Geneva, from cleaning staff to C-level managers at international firms. The most common jobs for international employees in Geneva are technical occupations, health professions and the hospitality industry.
However, the employment demand in Geneva has shifted to those with high qualifications. Staff for the banking services sector and skilled technicians are most in-demand in Geneva. Specialists in research and development are highly sought after too as the country hopes to retain its status as a world-leading research hub.
The hotel and restaurant industry remains a popular choice of employment for international workers.
Good to know:
Speaking French will give you a competitive advantage and open you up to a wider range of job roles - if you are looking for a job in the hospitality sector, this is an almost mandatory requirement.
