Strong employees for the Swiss Post of tomorrow

As the company continues to develop, Swiss Post wants to offer its employees in all units prospects for activities with a promising future. Human Resources is taking responsibility by creating the initiatives necessary for transformation and encouraging individual performance.

Valérie Schelker

Head of Human Resources, Member of Executive Management

The new strategy period began on 1 January 2021. Swiss Post aims to transform its core business in order to achieve further growth and become more efficient and sustainable. What does that mean for your unit?

We aim to enable, support and advise management and employees to ensure that they can contribute towards implementing the “Swiss Post of tomorrow” strategy. We are realigning the Human Resources function unit so that even greater focus is placed on the transformation and market logic of the Group.

How is HR contributing to the successful implementation of the strategy?

We’re focusing on the structure of the organization and leadership. We also ensure that Swiss Post can attract and retain employees with the competencies and skills required. And we wish to act in a socially sustainable and responsible manner.

What strategic measures is HR taking in relation to the organizational structure and leadership?

Leaders play a pivotal role in all issues related to organizational and cultural development. The change of strategy means that new functions are required and leadership behaviour must adapt to meet the new demands. The leadership map outlines where priorities will lie in future. The aim is to create scope for the inclusion of new, independent ideas from our employees and to enhance the company’s ability and speed to act. We are working hard on Swiss Post’s culture and to deliver the success promised by the new strategy.

How do you ensure that Swiss Post has the employees required?

To make certain we have the right employees in the right place and at the right time, we must recruit the right people. We also achieve this by being perceived as a top employer. We’re currently reviewing various vocational training paths – for instance, in sales and IT. Our range of career opportunities is very broad: whether it’s logistics professionals, technical specialists or university graduates – there are good prospects for many people.

What skills will be crucial for employees in future, and how will these skills be promoted?

Experience and specialist knowledge will remain invaluable. However, the changes to the strategy and job profiles will also require new competencies and skills in the digital arena. To help with this, we’re providing digital learning formats and collaboration platforms. Above all, though, individual responsibility, joined-up thinking and self-reflection are needed. We will promote these skills through a well-developed culture of learning and feedback.

Sustainability also plays a key role in the new strategy.

Our role as a socially responsible employer is a vital part of Swiss Post’s self-perception: this means attractive employment conditions, meaningful jobs and a culture that fosters identity and commitment. In all sectors it operates in, Swiss Post will consistently endeavour to ensure financially sustainable, fair and attractive employment conditions.

We also actively promote diversity and inclusion and do not tolerate discrimination.