Kickstart your Career in Switzerland’s Thriving Human Resources Sector

What are the tasks and responsibilities of Human Resources?

It’s a big range, but most likely, your day-to-day HR work will include developing and implementing HR strategies from scouting, recruiting, and maintaining talent, as well as nurturing a positive working environment.

Ensuring legal compliance throughout human resource management is another critical aspect of your role.

Moreover, you'll need to develop an employer branding strategy in line with company culture and values to attract top candidates (Side note: this is what we do day in and day out at MoonWork : Plate-forme suisse de l'emploi avec vidéo & AI Matching).

What to expect in a Human Resources career?

You can expect to play a pivotal role in managing the most valuable asset of any organization - its people.

Your responsibilities will likely include:

• recruiting and hiring new staff,
• managing employee benefits and compensation,
• conducting performance reviews,
• and ensuring compliance with Swiss labour laws.

You'll be tasked with creating an environment that attracts top talent and fosters employee satisfaction. This could involve:

• developing innovative recruitment strategies,
• implementing effective onboarding processes,
• or designing comprehensive training programs.

Given the international nature of many Swiss companies, you might also need to manage issues related to diversity and inclusion or oversee global mobility programs. Fluency in multiple languages (particularly German, French or Italian) can be highly beneficial.

What are the myths about work in Human Resources?

1. Myth: You Need to Speak Swiss German to Work in HR in Switzerland. Reality: While knowing Swiss German can be beneficial, many companies operate internationally and use English as their business language. Therefore, proficiency in English may be enough for some HR roles.
2. Myth: All Human Resources Jobs in Switzerland are High-Paying. Truth: The salary for HR roles can vary greatly depending on the company size, industry, and specific role. Entry-level positions may not offer high salaries initially but provide opportunities for growth and advancement.
3. Myth: Human Resources is a 'Soft' Field with No Real Challenges. Reality: HR professionals deal with complex issues such as conflict resolution, and legal compliance, just to name a few. It is a rewarding career, but can also be a stressful one, as you are wearing many hats.

What are the competencies required for work in HR?

1. Knowledge of Swiss Labor Laws: This shouldn’t come as a surprise: Understanding the labor laws and regulations in Switzerland is crucial for a human resources job in this country. This includes knowledge about contracts, working hours, holidays, maternity leave, and other employment rights and obligations.
2. Multilingual Skills: Switzerland has four official languages - German, French, Italian, and Romansh. Proficiency in at least two of these languages would be highly beneficial for effective communication with employees and stakeholders.
3. Recruitment and Selection: Competence in hiring processes such as job posting, screening applications, conducting interviews, and making selection decisions is key for an HR role.
4. Knowledge of HR Systems: Familiarity with HR systems used for managing employee data, payroll processing, benefits administration etc., is important. This could include software like SAP HR or Workday.

What qualities are required for a career in HR?

The number one skill is… drumroll….

1. Empathy and interpersonal skills. Yes! Empathy is absolutely essential for HR employees as it enables them to understand and resonate with the experiences and emotions of others in the workplace. This understanding is key for several reasons: To build trust and relationships, for effective conflict resolution, for employee support, as well as cultural sensitivity and for inclusion.
2. Communication Skills: An HR professional must have excellent communication skills to effectively interact with employees, management, and potential candidates. They should be able to clearly convey company policies, procedures, and expectations.
3. Organizational Skills: It’s not going to come as a surprise that HR may be responsible for organising the next Christmas party, ordering fruit baskets, or organising feel-well activities on top of their HR responsibilities like recruiting, onboarding, benefits administration, etc... HR professionals often juggle multiple tasks at once, therefore, they need strong organizational skills to manage their workload efficiently.

What is the future of Human Resources?

The future of HR jobs in Switzerland is expected to be influenced by several key trends and developments:

1. Digital Transformation: This may sound surprising, but HR jobs in Switzerland, like elsewhere, continue to be disrupted by digitalization. This includes the adoption of HR technologies for tasks such as recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and employee engagement.
2. Adaptation to Flexible Working Models: With the rise of remote work and flexible schedules, HR will need to adapt policies and practices to support these new ways of working while maintaining productivity and employee engagement.
3. Regulatory Compliance and Ethical Considerations: As laws and regulations evolve, particularly in areas like data privacy (e.g., GDPR), HR professionals will need to ensure compliance while also upholding ethical standards in employee data management.
4. Talent Management in a Competitive Market: Given Switzerland's competitive job market, particularly in sectors like finance, technology, and pharmaceuticals, HR will continue to focus on talent acquisition, retention, and development, tailoring strategies to attract and keep top talent.

In addition to these trends, there's also an increasing demand for HR professionals who specialize in areas like employee wellness, mental health support, and work-life balance strategies. These factors are becoming more important as companies

How to best start a career in HR?

So you know by now that HR is your field of choice. But how do you get started?

Here are  our key steps to help you launch your HR career in Switzerland:

1. Education: A degree in human resources, business administration or psychology can provide a solid foundation. Many Swiss companies also value certifications like the Swiss Federal Certificate in Human Resources.
2. Experience: Internships or entry-level positions can give you hands-on experience and help you get your foot in the door.
3. Networking: You are in the people business, so networking and mingling with potential employers is a great way to show your people skills and hone your interpersonal skills.

How to find the best Human Resources jobs that suit you?

Now you may be thinking… All great, but how do I find the best job that fits me?And you are rightfully thinking this: Why settle for just any job when you can find the best? We're here to guide you through your job search journey and help you land an opportunity that aligns with your career goals and aspirations. Have a look at our vetted job shares and explore exciting junior positions that promise growth, learning, and fulfilment. Bonus tip: record a quick video application, too with us to stand out among other applicants. Happy applying, and good luck!