Skilled labour shortage in 2025 – economic slowdown brings short-term relief

The latest figures from the University of Zurich's Skilled Labour Shortage Index show that the shortage of skilled workers will decrease significantly in 2025 – by around 22% compared to the previous year – but this improvement is mainly due to the economic slowdown. Structural challenges remain and continue to have a noticeable impact on companies.

What the decline really means for businesses

At first glance, the decline appears positive for many organisations. However, a closer look reveals a different picture:

• The decline is primarily due to more job seekers and fewer vacancies – not to a sustained improvement.
• In key areas such as healthcare, construction and technical professions, the shortage of skilled workers remains.
• At the same time, pressure on employees is increasing as more and more of them take on private care or nursing tasks.
• AI is rapidly changing job profiles – particularly in administrative, commercial and ICT professions – which poses an additional challenge for companies.

In short: the figures ease the situation in the short term, but they do not solve the structural bottlenecks. Companies that are now focusing on work-life balance are securing a decisive advantage for themselves – regardless of economic fluctuations.

Why work-life balance remains a strategic success factor for companies

Even in years when there is less of a shortage of skilled workers, the biggest challenge for companies remains the same: finding qualified employees, retaining them and relieving them of pressure in the long term.

Studies show that employees are particularly likely to stay with a company if they:

• reliably organise private care responsibilities,
• receive support in caring for relatives,
• obtain flexible and practical solutions,
• balance work and private life without pressure.

If this is lacking, absenteeism, staff turnover and stress levels within teams increase – precisely at a time when companies need stability.

How profawo relieves the burden on companies – and actively combats the shortage of skilled workers

At profawo, we support companies in strengthening their attractiveness as employers and reducing the burden on their employees. With our wide range of services, we offer concrete solutions:

• kids & co – support for employees with children
  • Individual advice
  • Online sessions on topics related to childcare
  • Reliable, high-quality childcare
  • Flexible childcare models
  • Support in the event of short-term childcare shortages
  • Holiday programmes during school holidays

• care & co – Support for caring for relatives
  • Advice and support in complex care situations
  • Relief services for employees who care for relatives
  • Emergency care and coordination
  • Additional work-life balance services

• Consulting, workshops, online sessions and coaching on all aspects of work-life balance

• Individual work-life balance concepts for companies

These solutions directly address staff shortages, reduce absenteeism and increase the long-term retention of qualified specialists.

Summary

The shortage of skilled workers is decreasing – but only superficially. The structural challenges remain and continue to have a noticeable impact on companies.

Investing in work-life balance today will secure the skilled workers of tomorrow who will make a difference in the long term.

At profawo, we support organisations in doing just that: with tailor-made, tried-and-tested as well as effective services that relieve the burden on employees and strengthen companies.

Source: Fachkräftemangel Index Schweiz, Universität Zürich

(Link: https://www.stellenmarktmonitor.uzh.ch/de/indices/fachkraeftemangel.html)