PostFinance, the financial arm of the Swiss postal service, has announced a significant reduction in its workforce, with plans to eliminate 141 positions by the end of November 2025. This restructuring is part of a broader strategy aimed at increasing efficiency amidst ongoing changes within the organization. The cuts predominantly affect administrative functions based in Bern, as stated in a company announcement made on a recent Thursday.
This planned reduction represents approximately 3.6% of PostFinance’s total workforce of approximately 3,900 employees by the end of 2024. The company is initiating a consultation process, allowing affected employees the opportunity to propose alternatives aimed at minimizing layoffs, reducing their numbers, or mitigating their impact. A final decision regarding these job reductions is expected to be made by the management in July.
The restructuring aligns with PostFinance’s strategic plan for 2025 to 2028, which aims to achieve moderate growth while enhancing market impact and overall performance. The company recognizes that increasing revenues and reinforcing non-interest income are critical components of this strategy. Management has indicated that the job cuts stem from adjustments in organizational models necessitated by this restructuring, focusing on streamlining operations and reallocating resources to strategic areas.
Beat Röthlisberger, CEO of PostFinance, acknowledged the emotional toll this decision would take on employees, emphasizing the company’s commitment to providing support during this challenging time. “We are aware that this announcement brings uncertainty and concern for many of our employees. Therefore, we will closely accompany them through this phase,” he stated.
In a somewhat favorable development, the Federal Office of Communications (Bakom) recently reported in its annual review that PostFinance meets all requirements regarding basic services. The company surpassed the statutory minimum for accessibility to cash payment services, with over 90% of the population able to access these services within a 20-minute walk or using public transportation. Additionally, customer satisfaction scores for PostFinance remained strong; private customers rated their satisfaction at 81 out of 100 points, maintaining the previous year’s level, while business customers showed even higher satisfaction, scoring 77 points.
This juxtaposition of workforce reduction against the backdrop of strong service performance highlights the delicate balance that financial institutions must maintain as they pursue efficiency while striving to meet customer needs. Stakeholders and analysts will be closely observing how PostFinance navigates these changes and the implications for its service delivery and market positioning in the coming years. As the company moves forward with its restructuring plans, the focus will undoubtedly remain on achieving a more agile and competitive operation, with an eye on future growth opportunities in a challenging economic landscape.
The developments surrounding PostFinance serve as a reminder of the broader trends facing many financial institutions, particularly as they adapt to rapidly changing market conditions and shifting consumer expectations. As efficiency becomes increasingly paramount, companies like PostFinance will need to carefully assess their operational structures, respond to employee concerns, and maintain commitment to customer satisfaction to ensure long-term success.