Employees in Switzerland: Lots of Frustration, Little Movement

The job market has two sides: employers and employees. Looking at the employee side, you encounter a surprising paradox. Many people are unhappy, they even say it's a good time to switch – yet almost everyone stays where they are.

Gallup measures every year how people think about work. The current data for Switzerland:

Only 8 percent feel truly engaged. One in twelve employees works with enthusiasm. At the same time, 55 percent say it's a good time to switch. More than half see opportunities. Yet only 22 percent seriously consider leaving their job. This puts Switzerland near the bottom of the European ranking.

In short: little joy, lots of optimism – but hardly any movement.

At first glance, this seems contradictory. Those who are unhappy and optimistic should be active by now. So why the passivity?

There are several reasons: Psychological frictions like doubt, fear and uncertainty. Information gaps, because applicants often don't know if their application was even read. Lack of trust that a new employer will really deliver on their promises.

Something else plays a role in Switzerland: security and stability are highly valued. A job change affects not just work, but also income, location, family. So many prefer to stay where they are – even if it frustrates them.

For us, this was confirmation: It's not motivation that's lacking, but movement. People don't stay because they're satisfied – but because the barriers are too high.

The paradox dissolves when you understand frictions: It's not motivation that's missing, but low barriers. The first step is too big, the risk too diffuse, the effort too high.

Anyone who wants to change this doesn't need to convince people to be more active. But to make the first step smaller.

The numbers at a glance: Engagement at 8 percent (rank 37 of 38 countries, minus 1 point versus 2024). "Good time for job search" at 55 percent (rank 21, plus 7 points). Intent to leave at 22 percent (rank 37, plus 1 point).

Interpretation: Little joy, lots of optimism – but hardly any movement.

Source: Gallup, State of the Global Workplace 2025