Traditional companies win the Swiss Employer Award 2026

At a time characterized by uncertainty, a shortage of skilled workers and social change, there is a growing appreciation for employers who provide security, reliability and meaning. This trend became clear at the Swiss Employer Awards 2026. The 2026 winners in all four main categories can look back on a long company history and are therefore classic traditional companies:

• Cooperative ZFV Companies (1000+ employees), founded in 1894 with headquarters in Zurich
• Daetwyler Switzerland Inc. (250-999 employees), founded in 1915 with headquarters in Schattdorf
• Biral AG (100-249 employees), founded in 1919 and based in Münsingen
• Spida social insurance (50-99 employees), founded in 1948 and based in Zurich

These companies have survived economic crises, structural upheavals, pandemics and disruptive technologies for decades. Their lived stability, combined with recognizable values and a strong community culture, characterizes the high satisfaction of their employees. A total of 152 companies with a total of 54,916 employees took part in this year's survey. 

Sectors under constant stress and still on top

Another pattern is striking in 2026. Many of the top rankings come from sectors that are under particular pressure, such as the healthcare sector. Nursing institutions, rehabilitation clinics and psychiatric clinics are well represented in the top ranks. It is precisely in sectors with a high shortage of skilled workers that various companies succeed in creating a good working environment for their employees and thus retaining enough skilled workers. This also applies to the gastronomy sector, where, according to the GastroSuisse industry review, the shortage of skilled workers, cost increases and volatile demand persist. The numerous industrial companies that achieve top positions in the ranking are also noteworthy. This is despite the fact that the sector is suffering from geopolitical uncertainty, dependence on exports and pressure to innovate. A clear signal that companies can maintain employee satisfaction and commitment even in crisis situations.

All award winners at a glance

Category 1000+ employees

Category 250-999 employees

Category 100-249 employees

 Category 50-99 employees

Special prices

In addition to the regular awards, the Swiss Employer Award presents two special prizes that highlight special stories: courageous innovations and impressive leaps in development.

This year's winner of the special prize for «Innovative working environment projects» is EBL (Genossenschaft Elektra Baselland). With this special prize, the Swiss Employer Award, together with HR Swiss, honors companies that boldly rethink their working environment and consistently implement their ideas.

This year's winner of the special «Rising Star of the Year» award is Nova Werke AG. The special prize is awarded by the Swiss Employers' Association and goes to a company that has made a particularly significant step forward in its development compared to the last time it took part.

Established and scientifically sound benchmarking study

The Swiss Employer Award is an established benchmarking study and a key tool for Swiss companies. It enables a well-founded comparison with the best employers in the respective sector and size category and provides practical findings for strategic development, HR marketing and strengthening employee loyalty and motivation. The methodology is based exclusively on employee feedback, because nobody can judge a company better than its own employees. The results are collected using a scientifically developed questionnaire with around 60 questions, divided into 17 dimensions of workplace quality. The average response rate is 78 percent, ensuring a representative, valid and differentiated evaluation. Only companies headquartered in Switzerland or Liechtenstein can take part in the Swiss Employer Award.

The initiator and implementing institute is icommit, an independent survey and consulting company for personnel and organizational development with over 20 years of experience and proven expertise in benchmarking, consulting and support. The Swiss Employer Award is supported by two strong partners, the Swiss Employers' Association and HR Swiss.

Source: Swiss Employer Award