At the same time, trade unions complained that wages were too low for many workers and demanded more pay.
On Monday, the State Secretariat for Economic affairs (Seco) said the jobless rate fell from 3% in 2021 to 2.2% last year.
This corresponds to 99,577 people registered as out of work on average each month. The number of jobless people and those already in employment seeking a new position also decreased to 175,549 but there are signs of this rate picking up in January.
The amount of money given out by the state to compensate for shortened working hours was CHF366 million ($394 million) in 2022, significantly down on the CHF4.9 billion paid out during the pandemic year of 2021.
“With the economic recovery and falling unemployment, it become increasingly difficult for companies to attract workers over the course of 2022,” stated Seco.
However, the Swiss Trade Union Federation complained on Monday that wage rises are not keeping up with inflation, which weighed in at 2.8% last year.
Unions called for a minimum wage of CHF5,000 per month for workers who had been through an apprenticeship and at least CHF4,500 for all people in work.
The Federation also called on the government to put the brakes on health insurance hikes that will rise 6.6% this year.
More
More
Looking ahead: Switzerland’s economic outlook for 2023
This content was published on
Our economic journalists outline the major developments awaiting the Swiss economy.
Switzerland abstains from vote on Palestinian bid for full UN membership
This content was published on
On Friday, Switzerland abstained from the vote at the General Assembly on granting the Palestinians new rights at the United Nations (UN).
Protein in abdominal fat could help shape obesity treatment
This content was published on
The study analysed fat cells from different locations in the body, and found that those in the abdomen have unique properties.
North African asylum claims fall after rapid Swiss processing
This content was published on
The accelerated procedure, now out of its test phase, has resulted in a significant drop in applications from North African countries.
This content was published on
The artist's song "The Code" focuses on their journey as a nonbinary individual. It is one of the favourites to win this year's contest.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Swiss firms facing unprecedented talent crunch
This content was published on
Businesses in Switzerland are being forced to cope with an historic shortage of highly skilled workers, according to an annual jobs survey.
Unions call for 4-5% wage increase amid rising inflation
This content was published on
Swiss trade unions are calling on employers to increase real wages in response to rising inflation and higher energy prices.
This content was published on
Growth forecasts for Switzerland have been revised downwards for the current year and 2023 by the KOF Swiss Economic Institute.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.