Swiss Human-Relations Barometer

Release of the Swiss Human Relations Barometer 2022
Date: October 5, 2022

Focus topic of the 12th edition: Constructive approach to error-making boosts innovation
This year’s Swiss HR Barometer focuses on working conditions that promote innovative behaviours amongst employees. Approaching errors in an open manner, a practice prevalent in Switzerland, has a positive effect on innovative behaviour as well as attitudes to work. Scope for improvement is found in are-as such as support for new ideas, personnel development and compensation.

The results of the Swiss HR Barometer were generated from a survey of over 2000 employees and show that a tendency towards both innovation and learning from errors are commonplace in Switzerland. Some 86% of employees believe that errors can be helpful for their own work, providing them with the opportunity to learn. This provides a solid foundation for the innovative strength exhibited by companies in Switzerland. Employees also report that they feel supported by leaders and colleagues alike and that, in many companies, there is a culture of psychological safety. A proactive approach to mistakes is promoted, with the view that any errors are reported and used as points of reflection. Another encouraging finding is that fewer than 10% of employees report that they tend to conceal their errors.

However, the survey also reveals potential for improvement, particularly regarding the willingness to allow employees more time to develop new ideas. As well as this, the study shows that cross-departmental management personnel could better support staff with their ideas. Employees could also be better supported when it comes to openly confronting the risks of making mistakes. More details on these and other findings can be found in the Swiss HR-​Barometer 2022.

Swiss Human Relations Barometer 2022
external page2022 editioncall_made
external pagePress releasecall_made / external pageExecutive summarycall_made in German
external pagePress releasecall_made / external pageExecutive summarycall_made in English
external pagePress releasecall_made / external pageExecutive summarycall_made in French
external pagePress releasecall_made / external pageExecutive summarycall_made in Italian

Access to the Swiss HR-Barometer and the executive summaries in German, French, Italian, and English is free. Earlier editions can be downloaded on our project website external pagewww.hrbarometer.chcall_made.

General information about the Swiss Human-Relations Barometer
Since 2006, we have been conducting a survey at regular intervals as part of the Swiss HR Barometer in which we ask employees in Switzerland about their experience of their working relationship and the general work situation. In addition to general trends in human resources and attitudes towards work, there are changing focus topics. The Swiss HR Barometer is a joint research project by the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich and the University of Lucerne with the aim of obtaining an accurate picture of the current employment situation of employees in Switzerland.

For more information, please contact Lena Schneider, ETH, or external pageDr. Anja Feierabend, University of Lucernecall_made.