For a long time, the mood within Swiss industry was characterised by caution. Investments were reviewed, projects postponed, organisations streamlined and new hires assessed more carefully.

Now, however, the first encouraging signs are emerging.

The Swiss economy grew surprisingly strongly in the second quarter of 2026, with the chemical and pharmaceutical industry making a significant contribution. At the same time, the growth forecast for the full year was revised substantially upwards.

SECO now expects the Swiss economy to grow by 1.7% in 2026. In June, the forecast still stood at 0.9%. GDP grew by 1.5% in the second quarter, with chemicals and pharmaceuticals providing a key growth impulse.

Source: SECO – Economic Forecast of 17 September 2026

There are also visible signs of movement within the life sciences industry: new production capacities are being established, investment projects are progressing and specialised technologies are being expanded. At the same time, companies are restructuring, consolidating and reducing headcount in other areas.

An upturn or a transformation? Probably a combination of both.

And perhaps this is precisely what makes the development particularly interesting for the labour market. New staffing needs do not arise only when the entire industry is booming. They emerge wherever investments are being made, new projects are launched, capabilities are developed or existing teams require additional resources at short notice.

Turning points are often recognised only in hindsight. Over the past few years, we have seen several times how quickly circumstances can change. During the COVID-19 period, for example, considerable uncertainty and caution were followed relatively quickly by a phase in which projects resumed and certain specialists were suddenly in high demand.

The current situation is not comparable. Nevertheless, one lesson from that period remains relevant:

Demand for specialised professionals can return faster than the necessary recruitment capacity can be built.

In chemicals, pharmaceuticals and life sciences, this often affects an already limited candidate market. Quality, Regulatory Affairs, QP/FvP, MSAT, Validation, Engineering and Supply Chain are specialist areas in which qualified professionals cannot simply be found at short notice.

Does this mean companies should already start recruiting for 2027?

Of course not.

But perhaps now is a good time to ask a different question:

Are we ready when projects start gaining momentum again?

Being prepared is not only about headcount. It is also about having rapid access to additional recruitment capacity, specialised market knowledge and an established candidate network when needed.

This is exactly where gloor&lang offers a range of flexible solutions – from Executive & Professional Search to Project Recruiting and RPO, as well as the targeted activation of our established life sciences network.

Whether 2027 will truly bring a turnaround remains to be seen. But it is already clear that the market is moving.

We are ready.