ECB staff survey: favoritism, job insecurity and low trust in ECB President and Executive Board
A recent staff survey conducted by IPSO at the European Central Bank (ECB) highlights significant dissatisfaction and concerns among employees. The survey, launched in February 2025, gathered responses from 1,425 ECB staff members and provides valuable insights into the current work environment, recruitment processes, career progression mechanisms and trust in ECB leadership.
Many respondents believe that favouritism plays a larger role than job performance in promotions, undermining the principles of meritocracy and fairness. Job insecurity, particularly among those on successive temporary contracts, emerged as a major concern, with high stress levels reported across the board. Employees feel that their contractual situation affects their ability to speak freely or resist unreasonable demands, creating a culture of fear and uncertainty. The survey revealed also widespread dissatisfaction regarding the transparency of recruitment and career advancement processes
Comparing the results to a similar survey conducted in 2015, this survey reveals that the introduction of the Chief Services Officer (CSO) function has not met expectations. Instead, it has led to a disconnect between staff and the Executive Board, with stress levels increasing, job security reducing, and trust in management declining over the past decade. Significant levels of low or no trust were reported towards key leadership positions, including the Head of HR, CSO, Executive Board, and ECB President, with over half of the respondents expressing low trust in these roles.
Key recommendations from the survey include:
- Addressing job insecurity, particularly for those on temporary contracts.
- Promoting merit-based career progression to ensure fairness and recognition of performance.
- Increasing transparency in recruitment and career progression processes.
- Improving work-life balance to reduce stress levels and enhance employee well-being.
- Enhancing the involvement of staff representatives in HR decisions to foster a more inclusive and supportive work environment.
We believe these findings are of significant public interest and highlight the need for urgent reforms within the ECB.
More information is availble in this press release