Finnish work mentality can be described in three words: honesty, punctuality and equality.
At most workplaces, the style of communication is very informal and codes of behaviour are fairly relaxed. Speaking out is not considered impolite. For example, if you do not have enough time to complete a task, it is best to say so to your supervisor.

In Finnish working culture, it is still important to adhere to the things that have been agreed upon. Observing timetables is also important. Arriving even a few minutes late without informing your colleagues or your supervisor about your delay is generally considered impolite.

Both men and women have a high participation rate in working life. According to Finnish law discrimination at workplaces is prohibited. Employers must ensure that all workers receive equal treatment. Gender equality is strongly emphasized in working life and is underpinned by legislation.

Finnish weekly working hours are the same as the European Union Average.
About 50 % of employees work a normal working week (35-40 hours). A regular workday of 7,5-8 hours usually includes 2-3 breaks.

Finnish working life has many rules that the employee and employer must follow.
The legislation and collective agreements determine, for example, minimum wages, working hours, holidays, sick pay and the terms of dismissal.

Although considered to be hardworking and diligent workers, Finnish people also value their free time very much.
Work-life balance is an important topic in Finland. Holidays are long compared to many other countries. In addition to this, an employee is paid holiday pay. Options for paid family leave are numerous and family life is highly valued in Finland.

More information:

InfoFinland Working life (The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment) Click here

Occupational safety, health care and wellbeing at work (Ministry of Social Affairs and Health) Click here

Work in Finland (Business Finland) Click here

When looking for a job in Finland, you are expected to be active, flexible and show initiative.
Use many different channels to find a job. Employers also look for employers in the social media – especially for expert positions.

Contact employers directly and ask if they have vacancies. A large number of vacancies are hidden jobs and not advertised publicly. You can call emplyers directly or send an open job application. You can also seek employment through companies that offer employment services (private employment agencies).

Make sure that your CV (max 2 pages) and job application (max 1 page) are up to date. A well-structured CV makes a big difference when applying for a job. Sometimes the job application can be a video, a portfolio or, for example a web page.

Respond to the wishes and requirements that were mentioned in the job advertisement. Give concrete examples of your competence. Go over your education and work experience and think about what skills they have taught you.

Public Employment and Business Services are targeted to those already living in Finland. Browse open positions, find interesting employers and sign up as a jobseeker: www.te-palvelut.fi/te/en . Be sure to sign up on your first unemployment date not to miss any services you are allowed.

More information

General information about job seeking in Finland: InfoFinland

Working in Finland (Finland Promotion Board): this is Finland

Work in Finland (Business Finland) Work In Finland

English speaking jobs in Finland: jobsinfinland.fi

If you are an international jobseeker already living in Finland, see also Career Boost

If you wish to work in Finland in a regulated profession or in a post that requires a higher education degree of a certain level, you may need a decision on recognition of your qualification. Please check in advance that your qualifications are officially recognized in Finland.

Responsibility for recognition of qualifications rests with the Finnish National Agency for Education EDUFI, a field-specific authority, an employer, a higher education institution or some other educational institution, depending on the purpose for which recognition is applied.

More information:

Foreign diploma or degree in Finland: InfoFinland

Recognition and international comparability of qualifications: Finnish National Agency of Education, Email: recognition(at)oph.fi

One of the biggest issues in immigrating to Finland is language. Although many companies and sectors are opening their recruitment to non-Finnish speakers, 90% of the population communicates in Finnish, and 5% in Swedish in their day to day lives.

Most Finns can speak English, with varying skills. At most jobs, you still need to know Finnish. There are still very few jobs where it is possible to work without knowing any Finnish. The level of Finnish skills necessary depends on the nature of the work.

There are some companies that operate globally and use English as their working language. Most of the English speaking jobs in Finland are in the field of ICT. Finnish or Swedish skills may not be required in some of the positions in construction, agriculture, maritime industry, academia  or services (restaurants, cleaning service). The number of companies using English as a working language is growing.

Learning Finnish language poses no barrier to newcomers willing to make an effort. Local authorities (and some employers too) provide immigrant with language training. Immigrants are entitled by law to Integration services and organised language courses.

More information:

Finnish and Swedish: InfoFinland

Find suitable Finnish courses: finnishcourses.fi

Finnish courses at Tampere Vocational College Tredu: Finnish language and culture training

Contact Multilingual info Mainio (City of Tampere) to find out other options to learn Finnish.