Many companies face a paradox: while layoffs and hiring freezes are common, the pressure to fill critical roles quickly is still growing. This is evident in Germany’s automotive sector, where jobs are cut as companies shift to e-mobility and efficiency. In Switzerland, large banks are reducing headcount after mergers and cost-cutting. Yet, the skill shortage persists. When markets rebound, companies lack experienced professionals familiar with their organization and culture.

Why no internal move? Many organizations today are under enormous pressure for transformation. Cost reduction, automation, digitization, and geopolitical uncertainty are forcing companies into ongoing restructuring, hiring freezes, and targeted workforce reductions. What may look like regression at first glance can actually become an opportunity – if organizations make their internal talent visible and mobile. It's now about redistributing competencies, redeploying skills, an

Invest in your Skills, Employer Branders After exploring how recruiters can upskill for the new era of skill-based hiring, it’s time to shift the focus to their close allies: Employer Branding professionals. Employer Branding is no longer a “marketing experiment.” It’s a strategic weapon in the talent competition. The game has changed: glossy campaigns are out — authenticity, data literacy, content fluency, and digital confidence are in. In short, Employer Branding is now mor

Learning is a management skill. Leveling up your TA team isn’t enough—the focus shifts to those who guide and develop them: Talent Acquisition leaders . The role of TA has undergone a radical change. Yesterday’s focus: operations (processes, KPIs, time-to-hire). Today’s mandate: strategy, technology fluency, data intelligence, and people leadership. Leading TA means acting as a strategist, change manager, analyst, and brand ambassador. With AI, automation, and skill gaps chan

After years of talent shortages, the wind is shifting across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Unemployment is rising. For the first time in years, it’s not just hitting blue-collar roles. More and more white-collar professionals are affected. For recruiting teams, this marks a turning point. There are more applications and expectations, along with new opportunities to rethink how hiring works. Wind of Change? A Snapshot of the DACH Labour Market In Germany , registered unem

Final Sale for Vocational Training Positions Between October and January, many companies enter the crucial "second half" of the training year. While regular start dates have passed, thousands of young people are still seeking placements, and many apprenticeship positions remain open. Post-placement programs offer a timely solution: employers and counseling services can match motivated late starters, repeat seekers, and switchers to meaningful opportunities—and help your organ

Mark your calendar: June 7th, 2026. With the EU Pay Transparency Directive (EU 2023/970) , a new chapter in Europe’s compensation culture begins. By June 7, 2026 , all EU member states must implement the directive into national law — meaning that pay transparency will become mandatory  for employers across Europe. Those who wait risk losing valuable time. Organizations can either treat the new requirements as an administrative burden or leverage them as a strategic employer-b

Employer branding is facing a crisis of trust. According to a recent analysis by Employer Branding News , fewer than 20 percent of companies can demonstrate the ROI of their employer branding activities. In most cases, no solid data proves that branding or communication efforts actually lead to faster hiring, better candidates, or lower turnover. The issue isn’t with the concept itself — it’s with the execution. For too long, employer branding has relied on glossy campaigns a

Discussions on talent shortages usually focus on graduates, immigration, or automation. Rarely do we address the immediate value of professionals aged 50+. It matters—especially now, as shown in my recent Basel impulse session. The situation is tighter than ever, and alarmist headlines don’t help. There’s also serious work: Outsourcing consultancy von Rundstedt has pre-announced a new “55plus” study (publication scheduled mid-November). The preview already highlights demograp

AI in recruiting stopped being science fiction a while ago. CV screening, chatbots, matching tools – all here already. However, what’s...

In August 2025, SAP acquired SmartRecruiters, marking a significant disruption in the HR tech market. For many DACH companies, the ATS...

Yes, every company claims to be amazing—offering fantastic work culture, outstanding training opportunities, and unbeatable working...

Artificial Intelligence is transforming recruiting and HR at a rapid pace. Yet many tools remain siloed: one ATS here, an interview bot...

The headlines speak for themselves: renewed Trump tariffs  are shaking global trade, war risks  in Eastern Europe and the Middle East are...

Some weeks ago, I spoke with Tim Glowa, Host of the "State of Work Today" HR-Podcast and founder of HRbrain.ai , about why authenticity,...

Jeff Bullas is writing an excellent Marketing Blog where I find many inspirations also for Employer Branding and Recrutiment Marketing....

Some good thoughts from Katherina Kribben on FistfulOfTalent Blog about the automated rejection mails most companies use. The thing is:...