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The Best Workplaces™ in Switzerland 2021 have undoubtedly all proven the value of a trust-based workplace culture, leadership quality and innovative strength. Now, using a machine-learning process, we have succeeded in identifying 3 components that are needed to get a place "on top of the ranking". Find out from our data specialist Cédric Lüthi what the top 15% Best Workplaces™ in Switzerland have in common and what role authenticity, balance and empowerment play.
Procedure
We wanted to find out which are the key indicators for an outstanding placement on the Best Workplaces™ Switzerland 2021 ranking. To do this, we used a machine learning method - more precisely, a regression tree and bagging* - to analyze all the data we collected together. The analysis has shown that - regardless of industry and organization size - there are 3 prerequisites for taking another step forward among the Best Workplaces™ and ultimately placing yourself "on top of the ranking". These are:
*Regression trees are a statistical method for creating explanatory and predictive models - in our case, explaining the ranking of an organization in this year's Best Workplaces™ ranking based on all available data. The strength of this methodology lies primarily in the fact that the results remain understandable and interpretable despite the machine-learning process. We also used bagging (bootstrap aggregating). This technique basically repeats the procedure - in our case 500 times - each time with a reduced part of the sample and finally averages all partial results. This prevents outliers or special circumstances of an organization from distorting the results and thus allows a robust statement to be made.
1. authenticity
The first component that lays the foundation for the path to the top is authenticity. People associate authenticity with sincerity, honesty and integrity. All three factors are highly relevant when it comes to building trust. Especially when, as is currently the case, only a few personal and direct interactions can take place. Accordingly, a culture of trust can only fully develop throughout the entire organization if the most senior managers also sincerely exemplify the most important characteristics of their own organization.
Organizations in which employees rate the question "Top managers exemplify the best qualities of our organization" with at least 4 out of 5 points are among the top 50% in their category.
2. balance
Work and family life influence each other and in turn contribute to each other's success. In order for employees to realize their full potential, it is essential that they are also able to cope with private and family challenges. Flexible working arrangements to facilitate work-life balance are therefore not only an instrumental framework, but also an important sign of appreciation and support.
If, in addition to authenticity, an organization also has balance (more than 15 out of 25 points on the "Care - Balance" dimension in the Culture Audit™), it is one of the top 30% in this year's ranking.
3. empowerment
A Best Workplace™ knows how to attract talent and create an environment in which employees can continuously develop and grow. The basis for such an environment is a strong, trust-based workplace culture. This not only strengthens the bond between the organizations and their employees, but also the experience of competence and the personal responsibility of the employees themselves.
The data has shown that organizations whose employees also rate the statement "Managers trust their employees to do a good job without constantly monitoring them" with at least 4.4 out of 5 points are in the top 15% in their respective size category.
The top 3 Best Workplaces™ in Switzerland 2021 have thus made it onto the podium with a high degree of authenticity, balance and empowerment. In the following excerpt from our award ceremony, you can hear our findings directly from our Data Specialist Cédric Lüthi:
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