„Optimise your pension provision: analysis for HR“
Occupational pension provision is a key element of social security in Switzerland – and an increasingly strategic issue for HR managers. However, many companies are not fully exploiting the potential of their existing pension fund solutions. This section shows you how to analyse your current solution and make targeted improvements systematically.
Why is analysis necessary?
The framework conditions in the Pension Plans are constantly changing: new regulatory requirements, volatile capital markets, rising life expectancy and changing employee needs. At the same time, studies such as those conducted by Swisscanto and VZ Vermögenszentrum show that there are considerable differences between providers – in terms of performance, costs, and flexibility.
Regular review of the existing solution is therefore essential – not only to minimise risk, but also to increase attractiveness as an employer.
Tools and sources
Various tools are available for analysis:
- 1 Pensionskassenvergleich.ch: Provides annually updated benchmarks on performance, costs and benefits.
- 2 SPKR.ch: Evaluates over 120 pension funds based on publicly available data.
- 3 Swisscanto: regularly publishes pension fund comparisons.
- 4 UBS Pension Fund Monitor: Provides market analyses and performance comparisons.
- Annual reports from your pension fund: Contain key figures and developments.
- Employee surveys: Provide insight into perceptions and satisfaction with the current solution.
Identifying potential for improvement
The analysis often reveals specific areas for optimisation:
- Reduce costs: Switching to a more efficient provider can significantly reduce administrative costs.
- Improve benefits: Employees can build up more pension provision in a targeted manner through optional plans or voluntary purchases.
- Strengthen communication: A transparent presentation of benefits increases trust and appreciation.
- Increase flexibility: Models with capital options or modular plans meet the needs of modern employees.
Implementation in practice
- Create an analysis report with the most important key figures and benchmarks.
- Hold discussions with your current fund - many providers are open to adjustments.
- Consider alternatives – e.g. collective foundations with better performance or lower costs.
- Develop a communication plan to inform employees about improvements.
In the next section, learn how to make your pension strategy more efficient while also increasing its appeal to your employees.
1. https://pensionskassenvergleich.ch/
4. https://www.ubs.com/microsites/focus/de/markets/2022/pension-fund-performance.html
