Category: Human Resources (HR)

What will we remember about 2024?

The Case: New titles such as “Professional Bachelor” and “Professional Master” are being introduced in higher vocational education and training. Together with other measures, these changes aim to enhance the attractiveness of vocational education and training and strengthen its international recognition. The Commentary: Under the revision, the title suffixes “Professional…

The Case: The Swiss Armed Forces are introducing a new training pathway for prospective professional officers. The Commentary: In the future, candidates will first complete a technical bachelor’s degree at the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW) before acquiring their basic military training through a Diploma of…

The Case: Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is scientifically recognized as a seasonal variant of depression. In addition to a gloomy mood, SAD also manifests itself in an increased need for sleep and an increased appetite, both characteristics that are rather atypical for classic depression. The Commentary: The reason for SAD…

The Case: 70 % of apprentices become profitable for their companies during their training, which is a key advantage of the Swiss apprenticeship model that even Donald Trump is keen to emulate. A new study highlights this economic strength, emphasizing why interest in the Swiss system has remained high in…

The Case: According to McKinsey, AI is far more than simply a cost-saving tool for the financial industry and financial advisors, it will also be likely to prove to be fundamentally transformative. The Commentary: AI will redefine client expectations, reshape the advisor’s role and determine who is going to thrive…

The Case: A study shows that around a third of the Swiss population suffers from sleep disorders (28 % “moderate”, 9 % “pathological”). The Commentary: Although labour law stipulates compliance with working hours and rest periods, many Swiss people suffer from sleep problems that have a negative impact on their…

The Case: Since 2021, school libraries across the United States have faced an unprecedented wave of book bans. The Commentary: Over 4,240 titles have reportedly been removed, often due to content deemed “inappropriate”, including topics related to racism, LGBTQ+ identities, sexuality and critical social issues.

The Case: Not every romantic relationship between senior executives entails professional disaster though the consequences can be grave when there’s a lack of transparency. The Commentary: Laurent Freixe, who was appointed CEO of Nestlé in September 2024 only, was abruptly dismissed on 1 September 2025 after an internal investigation had…

The Case: A landmark study from the University of Cambridge confirmed that chronic cocaine dependence leads to widespread loss of gray matter, particularly in prefrontal and temporal regions. The severity of structural damage correlated with duration of use, and users also showed abnormal enlargement of reward‑related areas. These alterations are…

The Case: New course for professional governance in family offices, scheduled from 12 September 2025 to February 2026 – Europa Institut Universität Zürich The Commentary: The new programme is an extra-occupational university continuing education course aiming at providing an overview of the fundamentals of family governance and dealing in an…