Non-compete and related clauses are fairly common in Switzerland. According to employers, between 16% and 24% of private-sector employees are currently bound by a non-compete clause compared to an average of 20% to 30% across the OECD countries covered by the survey. Results from the employee survey confirm a relatively high prevalence: 19% of workers report being bound by a non-compete clause, with an additional 24% who believe they “probably” are, compared to an average of 15% and 21% across the OECD countries covered by the survey. In many countries, including Switzerland, the higher incidence reported by employees is essentially driven by higher uncertainty among employees than employers, reflected in the high share of “probably yes” answers.
Switzerland Economic Snapshot
This snapshot offers an overview of Switzerland's economic trends and prospects, including GDP and inflation projections, growth prospects, and structural reform priorities, drawing from the OECD Economic Survey, Economic Outlook, and Foundations for Growth and Competitiveness reports.
Key links
Key findings on non-compete and related clauses for Switzerland, July 2026
Non-compete and related clauses are widespread and their use is rising
Economic Outlook: GDP and inflation projections, June 2026
Real GDP is projected to grow by 1.1% in 2026 and 1.5% in 2027. Domestic demand will remain the main driver of growth as higher energy prices and the uncertain external environment weigh on foreign demand, while Switzerland is less dependent on oil and gas. Uncertainty will restrain exports. These effects should dissipate after 2026 as global demand strengthens. Inflation will pick-up slightly but remain low, due to the economy’s low energy-intensity. New trade tariffs could reduce growth prospects.
Monetary policy will remain accommodative, limiting the effects from a strong currency. The fiscal stance will remain neutral. Expenditure reductions are expected for 2027, to ensure compliance with the federal debt-brake rule. Periodic spending reviews, integrated into the budget process, could help to ensure that cuts do not undermine growth. Increasing healthcare spending efficiency would help to reduce long-term spending pressures. Strengthening ties with trading partners would improve economic resilience.
Wirtschaftsausblick, Auszüge auf Deutsch, Juni 2026
Das reale BIP wird den Projektionen zufolge 2026 um 1,1 % und 2027 um 1,5 % wachsen. Die Inlandsnachfrage bleibt der wichtigste Wachstumstreiber, da die höheren Energiepreise und das unsichere außenwirtschaftliche Umfeld die Auslandsnachfrage beeinträchtigen, während die Schweiz weniger von Öl und Gas abhängig ist. Die Unsicherheit wird die Exporte bremsen. Diese Effekte dürften nach 2026 abklingen, wenn die weltweite Nachfrage wieder anzieht. Die Inflation wird leicht zunehmen, aufgrund der geringen Energieintensität der Schweizer Wirtschaft aber dennoch niedrig bleiben. Neue Handelszölle könnten die Wachstumsaussichten trüben.
Die Geldpolitik wird akkommodierend bleiben. Dadurch werden sich die Auswirkungen der Währungsaufwertung im Rahmen halten. Der fiskalpolitische Kurs wird neutral bleiben. Für 2027 werden Ausgabenkürzungen erwartet, um die Einhaltung der Schuldenbremse auf Bundesebene zu gewährleisten. Regelmäßige in das Haushaltsverfahren integrierte Spending Reviews könnten dazu beitragen, dass die Kürzungen das Wachstum nicht beeinträchtigen. Eine Steigerung der Ausgabeneffizienz im Gesundheitswesen würde helfen, den langfristigen Ausgabendruck zu verringern. Stabilere Beziehungen zu den Handelspartnern würden die Wirtschaft widerstandsfähiger machen.
Foundations for Growth and Competitiveness, April 2026
Switzerland is one of the top OECD performers in terms of GDP per capita. This position is underpinned by a highly open economy, a skilled workforce, and prudent macroeconomic policies, which result in high levels of productivity. The employment rate is comparatively high, and unemployment has remained low even during crises. Investment has slowed down in recent years but remains above the best performing OECD countries.
Several factors still hamper business creation and labour participation in Switzerland. Barriers to competition persist in network sectors like transport and energy, as well as in digital markets. New businesses often face more burdensome regulations compared to most OECD countries. Resolving insolvency takes longer than in most OECD countries and the recovery rate for creditors is low, resulting in inefficient capital reallocation. High childcare costs limit women’s participation in the labour market.
Latest Economic Survey of Switzerland (March 2024)
Switzerland has proved resilient through the pandemic, geopolitical turmoil and reverberations in energy markets. Unemployment and inflation are low, and living standards are among the highest in the OECD. This is reinforced by a dynamic market-based economy, highly skilled workforce and prudent macroeconomic policies. Yet, slowing growth amid continued price pressures pose challenges. A tight monetary policy is necessary to ensure that inflation remains durably within the central bank’s target range. Although a broadly neutral fiscal stance is warranted in the short term, longer-term fiscal pressures call for structural reform to counter rising cost of ageing and to support the green transition.
Further reading
Strengthening economic resilience in Switzerland through trade (Blog)
