FAQ

The "Fit for Future" programme was initiated by the University Executive Board in 2022 to examine what changes – for example in the areas of digitalisation, work organisation, infrastructure or structures – are necessary to ensure that the University of Bern remains attractive and competitive in 10 to 20 years' time. One of the triggers was the question of how the university can continue to develop in a rapidly changing environment, for example with regard to digital transformation, new forms of work and societal change.

The 12 action areas defined at the beginning were as follows

• Digital transformation
• Rethinking university structures
• New workplace concepts
• UniBE Life
• Leadership culture
• Innovation and Knowledge Translation
• Shortage of space
• Teaching
• An international research environment
• Life-long learning
• Conditions of employment
• Equal opportunities and inclusion

In the years 2022 to 2024, the 12 action areas were worked on in greater depth. In autumn 2024, the University Executive Board consolidated the programme: some areas of action were removed from "Fit for Future" and transferred to the line organisation, while others remain part of the "Fit for Future" programme.

Five central action areas now form the core of "Fit for Future":

• Digital transformation
• University structures
• New workplace concepts
• UniBE Life
• Leadership culture and change

For more information and (interim) results from the action areas, see Action areas

In June 2022, employees from all faculties and the central administration as well as external experts came together for a three-day workshop in the so-called syntegration format. The participants were selected together with the University Executive Board and external advice from the Fondation Oroborus, which identified internal and external people with expertise and/or key roles. All faculties and representative bodies (Student Union and Intermediate Staff Association) are represented among the participants.

It can be assumed that working methods and therefore the office infrastructure will change both at the University of Bern and in other organisations. Various options are being discussed in the "New workplace concepts" action area – from fixed workstations to flexible space and utilisation concepts.

However, as not all activities place the same demands on office workplaces and not all employees have the same requirements for working somewhere other than in an office, the University will need individualised solutions. The design will be needs- and resource-orientated.

No. "Fit for Future" is not about cutting staff but about developing the right measures to enable the university to meet future challenges as an employer.