Randstad workmonitor Q1/2016:
Swiss employees eager to travel for work
Companies with an international flair are popular among Swiss employees. This is the conclusion drawn from Randstad's latest workmonitor. Around 50% would like a job that involves business trips abroad. Almost the same number would even leave Switzerland for their dream job.
Swiss employers with an international focus score highly in the eyes of Swiss employees. Three quarters of those surveyed say that they would like to work with colleagues from different countries. This is the case among all surveyed men and women in all age categories. The survey also showed that 46% of Swiss employees would like a job that involves international business trips. Among 25 to 34-year olds, this number is even as high as 51%. This age group includes young people who have just finished their studies, among others. Jobs that offer opportunity for travel are particularly popular among many graduates.
Discrepancy between desire and reality
While around half of employees would like to travel, only 17% travel abroad as part of their job. This percentage is more than twice as high among men (24%) than among women (11%). It is above all very young employees aged between 18 and 24 who travel outside of Switzerland as part of their job (29%). This percentage decreases in the 25 to 34-year old age category, with only 14% travelling abroad as part of their job.
High interest in working abroad
Both men and women are very interested in the prospect of working abroad. Almost one in two would find it exciting to work abroad at some point. This interest continues to increase among 18 to 34-year olds, after which it starts to fall increasingly with age. This suggests that willingness to travel is closely related to family planning, as willingness to travel increases again when the children are somewhat older and more independent. In addition, 49% of those surveyed said that they would move abroad for the right job. In this category, too, enthusiasm is highest among younger people, with two thirds of those aged between 18 and 24 prepared to leave Switzerland for their dream job.
International travel expands horizons
The survey participants all think that business travel for work can offer added benefits. Employees who travel for work can benefit in many ways. Not only do they come into contact with people from different countries and language regions, but they also obtain insights into corporate cultures abroad. This is a view that is also shared by Nathalie Zihlmann, HR Director Randstad (Switzerland) AG: "Having the opportunity to travel abroad as part of your job not only expands your professional and cultural horizons, but also contributes to personal development. However, it is important to remember that frequent travel is also linked to stress, which may have negative effects on health and motivation, particularly with regard to frequent and short trips to other time zones."
Randstad Mobility Index
The Randstad Mobility Index states how many employees expect to start a new, similar job within the next six months. In Switzerland, the index decreased from 102 to 99 points (-3) in the first quarter of 2016.