International careers: Switzerland is not (anymore) so popular
Germany, the United Kingdom and France top the list of countries that European employees consider for international careers. Switzerland ranks 4th on the popularity scale.
European workers have a strong appetite for international work or careers. Nearly three-quarters (74%) would consider working in another country to pursue career opportunities, according to research from ADP®. For the study, titled "The Employee View in Europe 2017," nearly 10,000 employees across Europe were asked what they thought about the future of work, international competitiveness and talent management.
Switzerland in 4th place
Germany (21%), the UK (15%) and France (12%) top the list of most desirable places to work, while North America is surprisingly much further down the list at number 12.
- Germany
- United Kingdom
- France
- Switzerland
- Austria
- Belgium
- Spain
- Norway
- Netherlands
- Italy
- Sweden
- North America
- Ireland
- Denmark
- Luxembourg
- Finland
- Portugal
- Russia
- Asia Pacific
- Iceland
What makes the top countries so appealing?
Despite their popularity for international careers, Germany, the United Kingdom and France are not particularly strong in the areas the study asked about, such as skills and development, flexible work opportunities and workplace stress. In fact, workers may have more balanced lives and more interesting opportunities in countries that don't top the list, according to the study. Instead, pre-existing perceptions of the country, economic stability, distance from home and language skills have a greater impact on preference. Employees who are most interested in working abroad (Poland, Spain and Italy) are also the ones who say it is important to improve one's language skills.
Does any talent want to cross borders?
Despite the overwhelming interest across the continent in international work, over a quarter of employees (26%) would never work abroad. Significantly, there is a marked difference in opinion between men and women, with 18% and 36% respectively not wanting to work abroad. Interestingly, French (46%) and British (43%) employees are the least interested in working abroad. The results also show an expected trend of younger workers who would be more likely to work abroad. An astonishing 87% of 16- to 24-year-olds would be interested in pursuing career opportunities abroad, compared to only 56% of those 55 and older.
International battle for talent
Sebastien Moyon, Service Delivery Director at ADP Switzerland, says: "It is clear that Europe has an appetite for international work. The battle for talent and widening skills gaps are challenges that span the continent. It is essential that companies consider adapting to a more international workforce. Encouraging the cross-border development of talent and employing people from diverse backgrounds, is important to keep up with global competition. If companies consider the needs of their employees and potential talent, they will be able to reap the benefits of an engaged and optimistic workforce.
For more information visit www.adp.ch
