People and Organization Survey Report 2025/2026
This report presents the findings of the People and Organization Survey 2025/2026, conducted jointly by Mercuri Urval and
the Swedish Chamber of Commerce in China (SwedCham China), in collaboration with the Finnish Chamber of Commerce
(FinnCham), the Danish Chamber of Commerce in China (DCCC), and the Norwegian Business Association China (NBA).
Historically, SwedCham China and Mercuri Urval conducted an annual salary survey for Swedish companies in China.
However, in response to shifts in the economic landscape, sluggish growth, declining turnover, and a stagnant market
environment, the survey has transitioned from compensation benchmarking to focus entirely on broader people and
organizational development (P&OD) topics, prompting an updated survey title.
This year, 115 member companies participated across the Nordic chamber network, supplemented by 17 qualitative
interviews. The methodology combined quantitative survey data with qualitative insights to provide a comprehensive
understanding of current practices, challenges, and priorities. The survey aims to capture the talent, leadership, and
organizational challenges Nordic enterprises face, and to examine how these factors influence business strategies amid
China’s economic slowdown and in alignment with European headquarters.
As 2026 unfolds, the survey highlights key P&OD priorities, projected budget allocations, and the evolving adoption of
generative AI across functions such as learning and development, recruitment, performance management, and employee
engagement. These insights illustrate how organizations are planning to strengthen leadership, enhance workforce
effectiveness, and drive transformation in a complex and dynamic business environment.
While responses reflect diverse perspectives across industries and company sizes, common themes emerge, highlighting
persistent challenges and potential opportunities. This report distils these insights to inform executive decision-making,
guide P&OD program development, and support Nordic companies in building agile, resilient, and high-performing
operations in China