Switzerland rated fifth-best country for expat careers

Expats in Switzerland appreciate the work-life balance, with options such as bobbing down the River Aare in Bern after work Keystone

Switzerland is one of the most popular countries for international workers, who appreciate in particular the good work-life balance, according to a survey by the bank HSBC. 

Switzerland came fifthExternal link out of 31 countries for career considerations – down two places on the previous year – with Germany topping the list, followed by Bahrain, Britain and the United Arab Emirates. 

Almost two-thirds of respondents to the latest edition of “HSBC Expat Explorers” said Switzerland offered a better work-life balance than their country of origin and was also a good place to further their career. 

Regarding salary, 57% said Switzerland offered better prospects than their country of origin. Exactly half said job security was better (or worse) than back home. 

Just under half (47%) of those asked said they had the chance to learn new professional skills, with 42% saying their job was more fulfilling than in their country of origin. 

The online survey was carried out in March and April 2018 and involved 22,318 employees from 163 countries. At least 100 responses were needed for a country to feature. 

Mixed messages

As well as coming in fifth in the career ranking, Switzerland ranks eight in the overall ranking, which does not only look at career considerations but also includes the expat experience in a country and raising a family there.

The HSBC report contrasts starkly with the InterNations Expat Survey 2018 in which Switzerland plummeted to 44^th place. In that survey Switzerland did particularly badly when it came to easy of settling in and making friends.