Switzerland, temporary work restarts: what effects for border workers

Context

In a nutshell

• Interim working hours in Switzerland +1.5% in the first half of 2026.
• Permanent recruitment through agencies fell by 19.4%.
• 79% of agencies use artificial intelligence for recruitment.

Key facts

• What: Trend in the temporary labour market.
• When: First semester 2026.
• Where: Swiss Confederation.
• Who: Swissstaffing.
• Amount: +1.5% temporary working hours.

In the first half of 2026, the Swiss labour market registered a recovery signal in the temporary work sector, interrupting a contraction phase that had lasted for three years. According to data released by Swissstaffing, the association that represents the main employment agencies of the Confederation, the hours worked through the interim channel grew by 1.5% compared to the same period of the previous year. This figure marks a significant turnaround after a long period of stagnation, although companies are approaching new hires with marked caution, avoiding excessive momentum.

Economic uncertainty holds back steady hiring

The general economic framework remains characterised by numerous unknowns. International geopolitical tensions, together with the tariff policies adopted by the US administration and the slowdown in economic growth recorded in recent years, continue to negatively influence business decisions. This climate of uncertainty has a

Operational details

The manufacturing sector remains the main driver for the demand for temporary workers. In the first months of 2026, industrial production showed signs of improvement, with an increase in the demand for temporary workers that is directly reflected in the increase in hours worked in the sector. This positive trend also represents an important variable for the cross-border workforce, historically integrated into sectors such as the mechanical industry, logistics, construction and manufacturing.

Digitization and recruitment of personnel

The recruitment process is undergoing a radical technology-driven transformation. A survey conducted by Swissstaffing reveals that 79% of employment agencies now integrate artificial intelligence tools to manage selection processes. The adoption of these technologies responds to a contingent operational need: due to a slower labour market and a slightly higher unemployment rate than in the past, the volume of applications for each vacant position has grown significantly, reaching more than one hundred applications per single position. Artificial intelligence allows agencies to analyze resumes more efficiently, speeding up profile screening and optimizing available resources. For those looking for a job in Switzerland, this means that the submission of documentation must always be

Recommended tools

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Key points

For those who live or work as border workers, the return to growth in temporary work constitutes an encouraging signal, although it does not yet represent a definitive turnaround for the entire labor market. The temporary work agencies operating in the Canton of Ticino and the rest of the Confederation have historically been one of the main entry points for workers residing in Italy. Their importance is crucial in sectors such as logistics, transportation, and business services, where the flexibility required by companies matches the availability of qualified manpower from border provinces. The ability to intercept these opportunities requires a proactive approach, keeping in mind that the demand for temporary personnel can translate into new opportunities for integration for those who know how to present themselves with the right technical skills.

First day as a cross-border worker? Our practical guide walks you from cantonal registration to your first paycheck.

Source: tio.ch