Work Conditions
The University of Basel offers an open, creative and productive mindset and work culture. As a modern employer, it regularly reviews its terms of employment. One result is the fair pay system, which the University was recognized for in 2022. Another important aspect of its work culture is its support measures for physical and mental health.
Following a comprehensive analysis of its salaries, the University of Basel was awarded the We Pay Fair label in 2022 by the University of St. Gallen’s Competence Centre for Diversity & Inclusion (CCDI), indicating that salaries at the University of Basel comply with the “equal pay for equivalent work” principle that is enshrined in the Swiss constitution.
The "We Pay Fair" certificate confirms that the salaries comply with the principle of "equal pay for equivalent work." The University of Basel also takes the concrete action recommendations seriously and intends to continue making further improvements in the future.
Reto Jeker, Head of Human Resources
Promoting health and work-life balance
An analysis by Occupational Health and Safety (BGM) led to the development of a variety of offers for support. These offers were even more visible during the pandemic and were better coordinated via closer cooperation between Leadership & Development and HR Consulting in order to make them more accessible for employees. The new Regulation on Working Hours (2022) contributes to individual planning of work hours. Modules on work-life balance, break culture and self-care were also added to the professional training program on topics such as collaboration, family and PhD program planning. Based on the occupational health analysis and experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic, it became evident that preventative mental health efforts must receive increased focus.
University Sports
University Sports plays an important role in health promotion efforts and offers a very broad range of offerings, with 121 disciplines in sports, exercise and body awareness. In 2021 course participants ammounted to 5,756 and in the following year 7,385 course participants were recorded. About 70 % of the participants were students and about 8 % employees of the University of Basel.
In 2021, during the pandemic, the focus was primarily on online courses. In 2022, the range of online offerings was dramatically reduced, but due to continuing demand, 20 livestream courses were retained.
Goals & actions
Ensure attractive, motivating and healthy working conditions
Design new digital on-boarding process
Further develop care case management (develop advising offerings for staff and students)
New concept for and expansion of a preventative health promotion, with a special focus on mental health
Human Resources
Human Resources
Leadership & Development
Ensure attractive, motivating and healthy working conditions
Perform an equal pay analysis across the whole university; monitor ratio of female and male pay with the goal of: equal pay for work of equal value
Develop and implement steps to improve visibility and awareness of health-related offers through diverse communication channels and implementation in various advanced education options
Conduct an operational health management analysis to identify possible action areas
Human Resources
Leadership & Development
Leadership & Development
