Summary
The Federal Council was informed on 14 January 2026 of the results of the 2025 personnel survey. The sample survey of approximately 1,500 employees (response rate 69%) confirms an overall positive picture and high commitment among staff. While areas such as remote work, direct supervisors, and digitalization are rated stably positively, there is room for improvement in knowledge transfer and top management. In 2026, a full survey of all employees will follow.
Persons
Topics
- Personnel management
- Employee satisfaction
- Digitalization
- Employer attractiveness
- Knowledge transfer
Detailed Summary
The Federal Administration regularly conducts personnel surveys to steer its personnel policy based on evidence. The survey system follows a three-year cycle: every three years a full survey is conducted with results at the level of administrative units, and between these, sample surveys with nationwide results are carried out.
The 2025 personnel survey was conducted from 13 October to 7 November 2025. A total of approximately 1,500 employees were surveyed in a representative sample, with a response rate of 69%, indicating good willingness to participate.
The evaluation shows an overall positive picture. The survey results remain largely stable and show consistently good ratings across the board. The areas of remote work, cooperation with direct supervisors, health, digitalization, and employee commitment are rated particularly strongly – these positive values were maintained compared to the previous year.
At the same time, two areas for action were identified: Knowledge transfer and top management show a need for improvement. Additionally, a slight decline was recorded in the assessment of employer attractiveness. These topic areas are already part of the current personnel strategy and will be advanced further.
In 2026, a full survey of all employees is planned, which will provide detailed results at the administrative level.
Key Messages
- Sample survey of 1,500 employees with 69% response rate confirms positive overall situation
- Strengths: Remote work, direct supervisors, health, digitalization, and high commitment rated stably positively
- Areas for action: Knowledge transfer and top management require improvements
- Trend: Slight decline in employer attractiveness
- Measures in problem areas are part of the current personnel strategy
- Full survey 2026 will provide detailed administrative unit data
Stakeholders & Affected Parties
| Stakeholder | Role |
|---|---|
| Federal Administration employees | Affected parties and survey respondents; benefit from targeted improvement measures |
| Direct supervisors | Receive positive rating; starting point for personnel development |
| Top management (departments/Federal Council) | Identified area for improvement; must implement measures |
| HR departments | Responsible for strategy implementation and monitoring |
| General public | Benefits from an efficient and satisfied Federal Administration |
Opportunities & Risks
| Opportunities | Risks |
|---|---|
| High commitment as a basis for performance improvement | Declining employer attractiveness could complicate recruitment |
| Digitalization as a strength to leverage | Knowledge transfer deficits endanger continuity |
| Remote work as a competitive advantage | Loss of trust through inadequate management communication |
| Targeted measures in problem areas | Delayed implementation exacerbates improvement needs |
Action Relevance
Relevant for decision-makers:
- Short-term (2026): Preparation and implementation of the full survey; analysis at administrative unit level
- Medium-term: Concrete measures for knowledge transfer (e.g., mentoring, documentation, training)
- Strategic: Strengthening management communication from top leadership; improvement of employer brand
- Monitoring: Regular review of employer attractiveness to prevent talent loss
Quality Assurance & Fact-Checking
- [x] Central statements and figures verified
- [x] All data taken from official Federal Council document
- [x] No unconfirmed statements
- [x] No political bias detected
Additional Research
- Federal Council – Personnel Policy: https://www.admin.ch/gov/de/start/dokumentation/medienmitteilungen.html
- Swiss Employer Index: Comparative data on employer attractiveness in the public sector
- Best Practices Knowledge Transfer: Studies on knowledge management systems in large organizations
Bibliography
Primary source:
Federal Council press release – Results of the 2025 Personnel Survey
https://www.news.admin.ch/de/newnsb/gQE0As8EY8m4z6fHswtxD
Verification status: ✓ Facts checked on 14 January 2026
Footer (Transparency Notice)
This text was created with the support of Claude.
Editorial responsibility: clarus.news | Fact-checking: 14.01.2026