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QUALITY OF LIFE

Why have Swiss cities become ‘more liveable’ during the pandemic?

While European cities have fallen in the liveability rankings, those in Switzerland have climbed. Why?

Published: 10 June 2021 17:19 CEST
Updated: 12 June 2021 11:32 CEST
Why have Swiss cities become 'more liveable' during the pandemic?
Zurich is among the most 'livabke' cities in the world. Photo by Zurich.com

Switzerland’s largest municipalities, Zurich and Geneva, are the only European cities ranked in the top 10 best places to live.

Zurich and Geneva placed in the seventh and eighth place, respectively, in the Global Liveability Index 2021 released on Thursday by The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU)

The study surveyed 140 cities around the world based on 30 factors in five broad categories: stability (25 percent), health care (20 percent), culture and environment (25 percent), education (10 percent), and infrastructure (20 percent).

The two Swiss cities got the highest score, 100, in the healthcare category, 96.4 in infrastructure and 95 in stability. They fared slightly less well in culture and environment (85.9 for Zurich and 84.5 for Geneva) and in education (83.3).

Interestingly, while in 2018 and 2019 Vienna topped the charts, this year the Austrian capital slipped into the 12th place, while Zurich and Geneva climbed up to the top 10 from the 11th and 14th place previously.

Why have Zurich and Geneva done better than other European cities?

They are higher in the rankings “largely because the Swiss lockdown was less stringent than in most of Europe”, Ana Nicholls, the EIU’s Industry Director told The Local.

“Restrictions in these cities began to be lifted on March 1st, opening up sports, cultural and leisure facilities, especially for under-18s, as well as allowing small private outdoor events”, she added.  

READ MORE: Cost of living: The most – and least – expensive cantons in Switzerland

Vienna and other European cities like Frankfurt, Hamburg and Dusseldorf have fallen down the rankings “largely due to the course of the pandemic and the timing of our survey”, Nicholls  said.

“We conducted the research between February 22nd March 21st  this year, when Europe was battling a new wave of coronavirus cases and many cities were in lockdown. As a result, the index for “Culture and the environment” fell, because many museums, shops and restaurants were shut. Healthcare systems also came under strain as they dealt with Covid cases”, she noted.

Overall, cities in New Zealand, Australia and Japan got the highest scores in the survey.

Auckland ranks in the first place, followed by Osaka (2), Adelaide (3), Wellington (4) , Tokyo (5), Perth (6), Melbourne (9) and Brisbane (10).

It is not the first time that Swiss cities rank high in international studies. Zurich, Geneva and Basel often rate among the world’s 10 best cities in terms of quality of life.

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For members

GENEVA

‘Things have changed’: Can you get a job in Geneva without speaking French?

Geneva must be up there when picturing an international city where language is no barrier. Does this hold true for those looking for a job? 

Published: 15 March 2024 14:23 CET
Updated: 23 March 2024 08:42 CET
'Things have changed': Can you get a job in Geneva without speaking French?

Organisations such as the International Red Cross, the World Health Organisation, and the United Nations are either based in Geneva or have a significant presence there. 

Furthermore, the Geneva region has a population of over half a million, making it an ideal base for global businesses to reach Swiss (and European) markets. 

There is no doubt that the city is a centre of international diplomacy and business and has been for decades. 

Having said that, how hard is it to find a job in Switzerland’s largest francophone city? Or indeed anywhere in Suisse Romande in general? Do you have a chance of securing a role without French language skills? 

The expert view

Recruiters think you might find it challenging if you’re not planning to work for one of the major international bodies. 

Anthony Caffon, Director of Finance at Michael Page, a significant regional recruiter, told The Local: “From our perspective, as a large operator in West Switzerland, only a few roles don’t require candidates to speak French. 

“A few years ago, there was indeed a shortage of skills in the market, and coupled with major multinational companies located here, companies were open to employing non-French speakers. 

“We now notice a change. French is required in 90 percent of the roles we recruit outside international organisations. 

“Organisations would only take on non-French speakers in some highly technical roles, for which there is absolutely no local talent pool,” he said.

‘It was critical for wider job opportunities’

However, when surveyed, readers of The Local had differing perspectives on whether not knowing French was a hindrance to searching for a job in Geneva. 

Sofia, an American, responded: “It depends on the job and sector. French is desirable but not required for international organisations, NGOs, and many private companies such as EA Games or financial companies like Barclays.”

However, she noted that speaking French became more essential when settling in the country.

“It was critical for my Swiss naturalisation, but also to have a wider spectrum of job opportunities and better working relationships.”

Generally, to apply for Swiss citizenship in the canton of Geneva, one must achieve French oral B1 and written A2, as set in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). 

Michael, who lives near Lausanne, agreed with Sofia, telling The Local: “It depends if you work for a multinational or a local company.” 

“If you work for a multinational or Swiss company, you need French. But you can generally use English in the office at Nestle, BAT, PMI, Novartis, or WHO.”

Another respondent, Phil, believed that speaking French would assist in job searching. 

He stated, “I think it depends on your industry. If you work in the pharmaceutical area, then just English is fine.

“If you speak French, however, I think it’s easier to understand the application process and job descriptions.”

A Briton, Katie, thought speaking French could also help smooth the way when starting a new role in Geneva. 

She responded: “It shows you are curious about where you live. It helps build relationships with colleagues and, of course, for some jobs, it is needed.”

‘You can get by fine’

Those seeking to work in Geneva who don’t speak French shouldn’t fret just yet. 

An anonymous respondent from Ireland told The Local: “Some basic French is needed not to look utterly dysfunctional in casual social settings, but if the business works in English, then that is generally sufficient. 

“Once you can complete the technical requirements of your job well, you can get by fine,” they said.

“Some employers will specify that French and English are requirements on the job listings, even if you only need English to do the job. 

“Not having any French can put people off applying for many openings when, in fact, they might be fine applying anyway.”

What have you experienced finding a job in Geneva? Did you need French skills? Let us know in the comments. 

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