Swiss job market: KOF confirms recovery

Context

In brief

• The KOF indicator rises to 2.2 points in the second quarter of 2026.
• Swiss companies show greater confidence in hiring.
• The index exceeds the multi-year average of 1.7 points.

Key facts

• What: KOF Employment Indicator
• When: Second quarter 2026
• Where: Switzerland
• Who: KOF, ETH Zurich
• Amount: 2.2 points

Zurich - Despite global uncertainties, prospects in the Swiss labor market are improving. This is indicated by the employment indicator calculated by the KOF Institute, the economic research center of ETH Zurich. The parameter stood at 2.2 points in the second quarter, up 0.1 points from the January-March period and compared to the +1.2 recorded in the last part of 2025. The index - which is based on the responses of 4,200 companies - thus remains above the multi-year average, which is 1.7 points. After the peak in mid-2022, the indicator had steadily declined for about three years, slipping into negative territory in the third quarter of 2025 for the first time since the pandemic. The recovery that began in the last quarter of last year is therefore continuing.

Implications for cross-border workers

The recovery of the Swiss labor market represents an opportunity for cross-border workers in Ticino. With an increase in hiring, new employment and job stability opportunities open up. Furthermore, the greater confidence of companies could translate into better contractual and salary conditions for cross-border workers.

Comparison with the previous situation

Before the pandemic, the KOF indicator had peaked in 2022, then steadily declined until the third quarter of 2025. The current recovery marks a positive reversal of trend, which could lead to an increase in job opportunities for cross-border workers. However, it is important to monitor the evolution of the labor market to understand if this trend will consolidate over time.

What to do if you are a cross-border worker

If you are a cross-border worker in Ticino, it is important to stay updated on the available job opportunities. You can use tools like the salary calculator to compare offers and evaluate the best options. Additionally, it is useful to monitor job advertisement sites and participate in job fairs to broaden your prospects.

Operational details

Practical Analysis

The recovery of the Swiss labor market has significant implications for cross-border workers in Ticino. With an increase in hiring, new employment opportunities and job stability arise. Moreover, the greater confidence of companies could translate into better contractual and salary conditions for cross-border workers.

Comparison with the Previous Situation

Before the pandemic, the KOF indicator had reached its peak in 2022, then consistently declined until the third quarter of 2025. The current recovery marks a positive reversal of trend, which could lead to an increase in job opportunities for cross-border workers. However, it is important to monitor the evolution of the labor market to understand if this trend will consolidate over time.

Possible Scenarios

If the labor market recovery continues, cross-border workers could benefit from an increase in job opportunities and better contractual conditions. However, it is important to be prepared for any changes and quickly adapt to the new dynamics of the labor market. Additionally, it is useful to monitor the policies of the Swiss government and the Canton of Ticino to understand how they might influence the labor market and employment opportunities for cross-border workers.

What to Do If You Are a Cross-Border Worker

If you are a cross-border worker in Ticino, it is important to stay updated on the available job opportunities. You can use tools like the salary calculator to compare offers and evaluate the best options. Additionally, it is useful to monitor job announcement sites and participate in job fairs to broaden your prospects.

Comparative Table

Comparison with the Previous Situation

Before the pandemic, the KOF indicator had reached its peak in 2022, then consistently declined until the third quarter of 2025. The current recovery marks a positive reversal of trend, which could lead to an increase in job opportunities for cross-border workers. However, it is important to monitor the evolution of the labor market to understand if this trend will consolidate over time.

Recommended tools

For an updated estimate, use the net salary calculator and the CHF-EUR exchange comparator.

Key points

Action

If you are a cross-border worker in Ticino, it's important to stay updated on available job opportunities. You can use tools like the salary calculator to compare offers and evaluate the best options. Additionally, it's useful to monitor job listing sites and attend job fairs to broaden your prospects.

Step-by-step procedure

1. Monitor job opportunities: Use job listing sites and attend job fairs to find new opportunities. 2. Compare offers: Use the salary calculator to compare offers and evaluate the best options. 3. Update your resume: Make sure your resume is up-to-date and ready for new opportunities. 4. Prepare for interviews: Prepare an effective presentation and practice responses to common interview questions. 5. Stay updated: Monitor the policies of the Swiss government and the Canton of Ticino to understand how they might influence the job market.

Useful tools

• Salary calculator: Compare job offers and evaluate the best options.
• Job listings: Find new job opportunities in Ticino.
• Job fairs: Attend job fairs to broaden your prospects.

Final CTA

If you are a cross-border worker in Ticino, use the salary calculator to compare job offers and evaluate the best options. Monitor job listing sites and attend job fairs to broaden your prospects.

Source: tio.ch