Swiss SMEs Do Not View Artificial Intelligence as a Job Killer

Swiss SMEs Do Not View Artificial Intelligence as a Job Killer

Two-thirds of Swiss SMEs do not expect artificial intelligence to bring about any fundamental changes to the world of work, according to an AXA study. While 47 percent of SMEs with experience in AI expect to save time, they do not anticipate any change in the number of jobs. (Stock photo)

Artificial intelligence is now widely used among Swiss SMEs, but so far it has brought about few fundamental changes. Three-quarters of companies are already using AI or testing it.

Nevertheless, two-thirds do not expect any fundamental changes in the world of work, according to AXA’s SME Labor Market Study, which was published on Tuesday. According to the study, 35 percent of the SMEs surveyed are already consciously integrating AI into their business processes, while another 39 percent are testing the technology.

As a result, adoption has stabilized following the significant increase in the previous year. Between 2024 and 2025, the percentage of companies using or experimenting with AI rose from 55 to 71 percent.

Developments are also continuing in terms of areas of application. AI is used particularly frequently for translations (47 percent), correspondence (42 percent), and advertising copy (35 percent). In particular, its use for optimizing work processes has increased: the share has risen from 23 to 35 percent since 2024. For data analysis, it increased from 22 to 34 percent. Customer service and support, on the other hand, have remained stagnant at 17 percent.

When it comes to the impact on employment, companies remain cautious. While 47 percent of SMEs with AI experience expect to save time, they do not anticipate any change in the number of jobs. Only 12 percent expect to be able to reduce their workforce in the future. Most also see no need to adjust their business model: 31 percent say there is a need for such adjustments, while just under two-thirds see no or little need for action.

Most SMEs therefore view AI more as a tool for increasing efficiency than as a disruptive force. 41 percent see the technology as an opportunity for their business, while 15 percent view it as a threat. Among large SMEs, however, the willingness to adapt is significantly higher: 42 percent see a need to adjust their business model, compared with 23 percent among small businesses.