Several Swiss pension funds and organisations have formed the HR Network PK, to promote occupational pensions as an attractive industry.

Switzerland’s PFS Pension Fund Services AG (PFS) said this launch is in response to occupational pensions facing major challenges, especially in attracting qualified specialists.

The group will create apprenticeships and raise awareness of the versatile professions in the pension fund world.

In its kick-off meeting, where the focus was on the future for employers, it discussed ideas for promoting the industry and communicating its core values.

There were several takeaways from this meeting, such as building strong relationships being central to finding meaning in their work, pension fund employees supporting people through life’s major milestones, and a big goal for the HR Network PK is to help people better understand the pension system.

Its discussion also found that active participation was important, suggesting that anyone working in the industry can contribute and make a real impact. It also found that the industry must remain credible through continuous development.

In a follow-up meeting, a discussion paper was drawn up and concrete measures were defined.

One of the group’s efforts to make occupational pensions more visible was an industry video in all four national languages, to highlight what occupational pensions are all about.

At PFS, apprentices have training in the field of service and administration and learn a wide range of skills. It said that trainees also gain an insight into the various areas with corresponding practical goals.

In addition to practical experience, the apprentices attend the vocational school in Bülach two days a week and the inter-company courses three days per semester under the specifications of the service and administration industry. For in-depth knowledge in the second pillar industry, it works with colleagues from Bern.

As an employer, PFS said it is committed to professionalisation and knowledge transfer in the industry through targeted training and development programmes for employees and managers.

In addition, PFS promotes language stays to strengthen multilingualism and ensure transparent advice for insured persons. Its onboarding process ensures that new employees receive support and can build up the necessary skills for their area of responsibility in a targeted manner.

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