In-Depth Modernization of HRM in the Public Sector: The Swiss Way

Abstract

Human resources management (HRM) is undoubtedly the area in the public sector which has evolved the most in the last 25 years, especially in Switzerland. This chapter summarizes the most important developments affecting HRM statutes, policies, and processes, and argues that HRM in Swiss public organizations is increasingly oriented to strategically managing human capital. Political and cultural factors are key enablers of this maturation process, one which has led to introducing human resource (HR) strategies, a professionalization of HR managers, and state-of-the-art HR practices and tools. The originality of a hybrid legal framework which uses a public law contract as the legal form of employment is typical for what we’ve called the “post-civil service” environment Switzerland now finds itself in.