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Swiss job market shifts as part-time roles rise and full-time jobs decline

Men are driving a surprising surge in part-time work, reshaping Switzerland's labor market. Why are full-time jobs fading while flexible roles expand?

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Swiss job market shifts as part-time roles rise and full-time jobs decline

Switzerland's job market saw small but notable shifts in the third quarter of this year. While full-time employment dropped, part-time roles continued to grow—particularly among men. The changes highlight ongoing differences in work patterns between genders and across industries.

Full-time employment in Switzerland fell by around 22,300 jobs in the third quarter compared to the same period last year. This decline contrasts with a rise in part-time positions, which increased by nearly 25,200 over the same timeframe.

The growth in part-time work was sharper for men than women. Men's part-time roles climbed by 1.9%, while women's rose by just 0.7%. Despite this, women still hold far more part-time jobs overall.

Industry trends also show clear differences. In the service sector, nearly half of all positions are part-time. Meanwhile, construction and manufacturing rely far less on flexible hours, with only one in six jobs following a part-time model.

Overall, net job growth reached around 2,800 positions in the third quarter, driven largely by the increase in part-time roles.

The latest figures reveal a shifting employment landscape in Switzerland. Full-time roles have declined, while part-time work—especially for men—has expanded. These trends suggest ongoing changes in how industries structure jobs and how workers balance their hours.

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