Honesty and dependability are highly regarded
The Finnish working culture is based on equality: you have the same rights and duties as your Finnish colleagues. Good quality and accuracy are of key importance in the Finnish working life. Team work is also common at workplaces.
In Finland, employees are respected and seen as a valuable resource. The physical and emotional wellbeing of employees is supported in many ways: employers offer possibilities for recreation and professional skills development as well as various benefits, such as health services.
Finnish employers offer a top quality infrastructure for working, together with cutting-edge tools and latest technology. Working conditions are of excellent quality throughout the year, including the cold wintertime. There is no need to worry about power shortages or other setbacks: the focus can stay on the work itself.
Working hours
Normal Finnish working hours are eight hours a day and forty hours per week. Usually Finns work five days a week, from Monday to Friday, and leave the weekend free for relaxation and activities.
About 30% of Finnish workforce works in shifts. Shift work is most common in the fields of logistics, industrial work, social and health care and in the retail trade.
Languages
There are two official languages in Finland: Finnish and Swedish. English is widely spoken in Finland and some international companies even use it as their working language. It is nevertheless useful to know some common words and expressions in Finnish. Read more
Salaries
In Finland, salaries are usually determined in collective agreements, which apply to nearly 90% of salary earners. If the sector does not have a collective agreement, the terms and conditions are governed by law.
| Some examples of average monthly pay in Finland 2007 according to Statistics Finland (in euros): | |
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-Mechanic 2600 |
-Doctor 5230 |
At the end of 2008, the overall average pay in Finland was 2860 euros. Source: Statistics Finland
According to the Confederation of Finnish Industries, the wages of industry workers are quite high in international comparison. Finland had the sixth highest pay level in the EU in 2006.
Taxation
In Finland taxes are paid according to a progressive tax rate. With earnings of 2880 euros a month, an employee has to pay 29,4% in income tax (estimate for the year 2009). That includes all obligatory payments: state income tax, municipal income tax, pension insurance payment, etc. Source: The Taxpayers' Association of Finland.
Employment contract
Employment in Finland always involves an employment contract. The employment contract can be worded freely. According to the Ministry of Employment and the Economy, oral, written and electronic contracts are all equally valid, though the written form is recommended.
Read more
| USEFUL LINKS |
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Rules and regulations in working life Information for Foreigners working in Finland If you’re having problems in work-related issues, you can contact the local Työsuojelupiiri |
