OSAM FORMATIONS
When training becomes a competitive advantage
Article written by Elisa Bauer
- 8 April 2026 13 h 18 min
The labour market is undergoing a profound transformation, marked by rapid technological advances, changing working practices and increasingly complex organisations. In Switzerland, as in Europe, companies are no longer looking solely for experts in their field: they want professionals who are able to adapt, communicate, make decisions and collaborate in constantly changing environments.
In this context, training becomes a strategic lever, both for securing key skills and for maintaining long-term performance and employability.
Skills in high demand on the market
The latest employment studies all agree: companies' needs are changing faster than the skills available. Jobs are changing, the boundaries between roles are blurring, and expectations of executives and managers are increasing.
Today, the most sought-after skills are no longer limited to specialised technical knowledge. They combine professional expertise, a comprehensive understanding of the economic environment and advanced interpersonal skills. It is precisely at the intersection of these dimensions that vocational training comes into its own.
Top 10 most sought-after skills
The chart below illustrates the skills that global employers identify as most essential for 2025, according to the report. World Economic Forum, Future of Jobs 2025.
The data shows in particular that:
– Analytical thinking (≈ 69 %)
– Resilience, flexibility and agility (≈ 67% of respondents)
– Leadership and social influence (≈ 61 %)
– Creative thinking (≈ 57 %)
are considered key skills by the majority of employers. This ranking illustrates that transferable skills now play a central role, even in roles that have historically been technical or specialised.
Technical vs Behavioural: an outdated opposition
For a long time, companies have contrasted technical skills (hard skills) with behavioural skills (soft skills). However, this distinction is becoming less and less relevant. Successful organisations are looking for candidates who can demonstrate both simultaneously.
A manager, for example, can no longer lead a team without mastering the fundamentals of finance, Just as a financial expert must be able to communicate their analyses clearly and work across departments, language skills have become a strategic prerequisite in a Swiss and internationalised environment.
Why certain training courses become strategic
In light of these changes, several areas of training are becoming priorities:
Languages : an essential tool for managers working in multicultural environments.
Management and leadership : managing hybrid teams, change management, employee engagement.
Finance for non-financial professionals : understanding economic issues and managing your business effectively.
Business communication : structuring a message, persuading, negotiating and promoting one's expertise.
Career-oriented training courses : anticipating changes in the profession, strategically repositioning skills, securing employability.
Training as a strategic investment
Organisations that prioritise targeted training tailored to their challenges and professions are seeing tangible results: improved operational performance, increased employee engagement and a stronger ability to cope with future changes.
More than ever, developing today's critical skills means preparing for tomorrow's performance.
