October 24, 2024
Trust Square Bahnhofstrasse, Bahnhofstrasse 75, 8001, Zürich, Switzerland
The Zurich CTO Breakfast 2024 gathered 20 of Switzerland’s Chief Technology Officers and VPs / Heads / Directors of Technology, for a morning of great content and networking.
- This event was hosted by Startup Network Europe.
- This event was sponsored by Remote and Trust Square.
- The invitation-only event is free to attend.
*****
8:30am – 9:00am: Guests arriving
9:00am-9:45am: Panel Talk and Q&A Session
Topic: Winning the Talent Race: Strategies for Attracting and Retaining Top Tech Professionals in a Competitive Market
Moderator:
- Adam Fulham, Founder of Startup Network Europe
Speakers:
- Stéphane Gamard, Chief Technology Officer & Head of Digital Transformation at Swatch
- Karin Taheny, Chief Digital + Technology Officer at Switzerland Global Enterprise
- Jesus I, Chief Technology Officer at LittleBig Connection
- Melissa Mauk, Finance & Business Operations Manager at Pallon
- Christian Voigt, Global Employment Specialist at Remote
9:45am-11:00am: Breakfast & Networking
*****
Discussion Points: Strategies for rapidly expanding tech teams, maintaining quality during fast growth, and managing the challenges of scaling.
Session description: In Switzerland’s increasingly competitive job market, attracting top IT professionals has become a significant challenge. With over 31,000 IT positions currently unfilled—a figure projected to rise to 40,000 within the next five years—this issue is more pressing than ever. To address these challenges, we are bringing together decision-makers from across the industry to explore successful recruitment strategies and share best practices.
Join us for an exclusive C-level breakfast session, where industry leaders will engage in a focused discussion on the current labor market situation, the evolving expectations of tech and young talent, and innovative solutions to secure the best professionals in this dynamic field. This session will not only provide you with valuable insights but also offer a platform for exchanging ideas with your peers, ensuring you remain at the forefront of the race for top tech talent.
Part 1: Current Labor Market Situation (5 min)
Overview of Tech Talent Shortage
- Key industries most affected
- Long-term impacts on innovation and growth
Challenges of Specialization
- Difficulty in finding niche expertise
- Balancing generalist vs. specialist roles
Rising Salaries
- Trends in salary increases for tech roles
- How high salaries are impacting smaller companies
Competition from Big Tech (Google, Microsoft, etc.)
- How large corporations are shaping the labor market
- Effects on talent distribution in the industry
Part 2: Expectations of Tech/Young Talent (15 min)
Demand for Comprehensive Benefits
- Importance of private insurance and mental health support
- The role of wellness programs in attracting talent
Flexibility in the Workplace
- Remote work expectations
- Flexible hours and work-life balance
Desire for Impactful Work
- How purpose-driven roles attract young professionals
- The need for companies to demonstrate social responsibility
Performance-Outcome Orientation
- Shift from traditional performance metrics to results-based evaluations
- Implications for career progression and job satisfaction
Part 3: Possible Solutions (15 min)
Innovative Employer Practices
- How companies can differentiate themselves in a competitive market
- Examples of unique perks and work environments
Relocation Considerations
- Challenges of relocating talent (costs, administrative burden)
- Strategies to make relocation more attractive
International Hiring
- Benefits and challenges of sourcing talent globally
- Legal and cultural considerations in international hiring
Tailored Approaches
- Why a one-size-fits-all solution doesn’t work
- How to customize talent strategies based on company size, industry, and goals