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Zurich Next

What is Zurich Next?

Zurich Next now is a global employee resource group headed by an international team of young and engaged employees that is supported by many local ambassadors, who create and drive initiatives both locally and globally.

We are Zurich's global network of young employees, and we are here to create global career and networking opportunities, challenge society's and our company's status quo, and bring about positive change.

These are some of the things we do and offer:

  • Our Mentoring Program NextChange
  • Career Talks and events with senior leaders
  • Networking (inside and outside Zurich)
  • Community lunches
  • External collaborations and events (e.g., One Young World)
  • Events with like-minded individuals ranging from networking opportunities to shared sports events
  • Challenge our decisionmakers
  • Charitable actions
  • And so much more

Find out more below or by reaching out to next@zurich.com

How it all began

Back in summer 2019, a team of young Zurich employees came together with a vision to address intergenerational issues, give new generations a voice and shape Zurich’s legacy for the future. So, they founded NEXT, now called Zurich Next, as a Zurich-internal grassroots movement for exactly that purpose. From the beginning, Zurich Next has collaborated closely with the Z Zurich Foundation, a charitable foundation established by members of the Zurich Insurance Group, and external partners like One Young World, a forum for young leaders, on topics such as social responsibility and value-driven leadership.

More about our strategy and initiatives

Zurich Next has defined several key strategies to guide its operations:

Acting as an advisory body, Zurich Next provides valuable feedback and recommendations on important business topics to senior leaders. This approach is inspired by the concept of a "Council," where the Zurich Next team offers unique insights and a different perspective to support decision-making within the organization.

Taking a proactive stance, Zurich Next identifies additional topics that are relevant and important to current and future generations. Through research, analysis and collaboration, the team provides recommendations and takes action to address these issues.

Zurich Next aims to spread the word and build an engaged community. By effectively communicating its initiatives, goals and achievements, the team fosters participation and involvement from employees across the organization.

Zurich Next maintains a mailing list that employees can join. This community serves as a platform for gathering opinions, seeking support and conducting surveys. The insights collected from the community are shared with senior management, enabling a broader perspective on key matters.

Zurich Next provides an opportunity for the business to tap into a diverse range of employees, including those who might not be able to easily access channels to express their views. By involving a broader audience, the team ensures that proposed solutions resonate with the needs and aspirations of the workforce.

Zurich Next emphasizes two focus areas: Career and Dialogue. These areas are prioritized for exploration and action, with the aim of creating meaningful opportunities for professional growth and fostering open and constructive conversations within the organization.

Zurich Next organizes Career Talks as a platform for intergenerational exchange on career progression. These talks aim to provide participants with valuable insights and personal stories shared by experienced professionals and leaders within Zurich Insurance. The talks not only offer learning opportunities but also serve as a networking event for employees of all generations. The inclusion of audience questions and open conversation fosters trust and strengthens the sense of community.

Next Change is a global cross-mentoring program facilitated by Zurich Next that fosters intergenerational dialogue and knowledge sharing. Both mentors and mentees are encouraged to actively participate, sharing their opinions, views and experiences. The program aims to benefit both parties involved, creating a mutually beneficial mentoring relationship.

One Young World is a global forum for young leaders, founded in 2009 by David Jones and Kate Robertson. The organization aims to identify, promote, and connect the world's most impactful young leaders to create positive change. Zurich Next members have been attending One Young World summits since 2019 to exchange ideas, build connections, and gain inspiration to challenge and optimize Zurich's work. Those who have attended these summits emphasize the importance of social responsibility and contribute to fostering a network of engaged future leaders within Zurich.

One Young World Switzerland is the first official National Board of the global One Young World organization. Its vision is to identify, connect and promote Switzerland's most impactful young leaders, and to drive positive change in organizations. Through its network, it drives local projects and organizes the annual One Young World Switzerland Congress, where the community comes together for exchanges and discussions. The goal is to establish Switzerland's young generation as a global example of socially responsible leadership. Through the partnership with the Z Zurich Foundation, Zurich Next members can attend the annual congress and participate in additional events throughout the year.

Zurich Next has evolved from a grassroots movement to become an Employee Resource Group (ERG) within Zurich. As an ERG, Zurich Next collaborates with other groups such as the Women's Innovation Network (WIN) and Pride to support each other and create meaningful events and initiatives. By working together, these ERGs support each other and collectively create meaningful events and initiatives. The collaboration aims to foster a sense of community, provide mutual support and ensure representation for employees at Zurich Insurance. Through joint efforts and shared resources, the ERGs strive to create a positive and inclusive work environment that celebrates diversity and empowers employees across the organization.