workmonitor 2025.

Top 3 motivators:

1. Job security with 81%
2. Work/life balance with 79%
3. Payment with 78%

Even though job security remains the biggest motivator, as in the previous year, Swiss employees are not afraid to leave their employer if they do not meet their requirements. Compared to last year (88%), the importance of job security has decreased by 7%, despite 64% of respondents stating that nothing has changed at their employer in this regard in the last six months.

Millennials are more willing to take action than Gen Z and Gen X, with Baby Boomers being the least likely. When it comes to a lack of career and development opportunities, however, it's Gen Z that stands out: 58% would quit if their manager did not support them in their development, while 51% would quit if there were no career opportunities for them.

Men are generally more willing to take risks than women. The desire not to work at all if money were no object has decreased by 5% compared to last year and currently stands at 38%.

The sense of belonging has become a strong need of employees and a clear requirement for their employers: 50% of employees would quit if they lacked a sense of belonging in the job. In 2024, the value was still 24%.

This not only plays a role in well-being, but also in productivity. 81% of respondents perform better at work if they feel a sense of community with their colleagues. 80% say that this has a direct impact on their mental health—the assessment factor that was ranked most important in the last Workmonitor at 91%. 31% would even be willing to earn less if they had good friends at work.

In addition to the feeling of belonging, values and the feeling of being able to be yourself at work will continue to gain importance in 2025. For example, 41% of the respondents would not accept a job in the first place if it did not go hand in hand with their values in terms of the environment and social issues. In 2024, the value was still 35%.

Confidence in management also plays a crucial role. 30% have already quit a job because they did not trust the management. 44% of respondents trust their employer to create a work culture where everyone can succeed and thrive.

However, companies are still lagging behind when it comes to implementing an inclusive working environment: if half of employees had already felt they had to hide aspects of their personality at work last year, the value in the current survey increased by a further 8% to 58%.

Top skilling areas:

1. Artificial intelligence training (AI) at 34%, 
2. IT and technology skills at 27% 
3. Management and leadership skills at 21%

64% of Swiss respondents regard training and development opportunities as important when they think of their current or future employer. Gen Z demands opportunities and support the most. 

Companies meet these needs. In general, 69% are satisfied with the training opportunities that their employer offers them. 64% say their employer helps develop future-proof skills for their career. Last year, the value was still 49%. The various opportunities for further development have also largely increased: 30% of respondents see more opportunities. But 12% also see fewer opportunities.