Swiss Industrial Sector Faces Growing Short-Time Work Challenge

One-third of Swiss manufacturing companies now operating on reduced hours, with small and medium enterprises particularly affected by economic slowdown.

Key Takeaways

One-third of Swiss industrial companies have introduced short-time working measures.
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are disproportionately affected compared to larger firms.
Most companies expect short-time work measures to continue for the foreseeable future.

By The Numbers

45%

of companies with 10-49 employees on short-time work

29%

of companies with 50-249 employees on short-time work

Over 6 months

duration of short-time work for one-third of affected firms

75%

of companies expecting to continue short-time work

They Said

"If the proportion of short-time work is only low, the effort involved often exceeds the actual benefit."
— Swissmechanic

"Small and medium-sized companies are particularly affected."
— Swissmechanic

Industrial Engine Stalls

SMEs Bear the Brunt

Entrenched Stagnation

Bureaucratic Headwinds

A Grim Horizon

Sources & References

A third of Swiss industrial companies on short-time work

SWI swissinfo.ch