I am privileged to experience the workplace of my own country and also the working environment of a Finnish workplace. So I felt the difference clearly.
So, what’s the office culture like in Finland? The Finns have created a workplace environment that promotes efficiency, equality, and well-being.
They’ve taken their high-quality lifestyle and infused it into their offices, making it a productive and lively place to work.
And in this article, we’ll take a look at what makes Finnish office culture stand out and how I felt in the beginning of my work life. Let’s begin!
1. Equality and Inclusivity Take Center Stage
Equality and Inclusion is a priority in the Finn’s office culture. Finland consistently ranks high in global gender equality, and you can see that commitment in the workplace. In my experience, although I was not a Finn, I was very welcomed in the team from the very beginning.
They keep things flat regarding racial matters and have an open-door policy encouraging communication and collaboration at all levels. It helps to create better communication and respect, where everyone’s voice is valued.
Employees are encouraged to share their ideas freely, and decision-making involves input from the whole team. It sparks innovation and makes employees feel valued and part of the office, boosting job satisfaction.
2. A Sweet Work-Life Balance
Work-life balance isn’t just a trendy phrase in Finland; it’s a way of life. The Finns believe in working to live, not living to work. They have shorter workweeks, usually around 37.5 hours, and rarely delve in overtime.
They also offer flexible working hours and remote work options, which help people better handle their personal and professional lives. For me, I could work from home up to 3 days a week. Also, I always got the days off whenever I needed. Another very important thing that I figured out is that Finland is pretty generous with parental leave, so that parents get significant time off to care for their little ones.
Team work is in the centre of spirit in Finnish workplace
3. Embracing Nature and Taking Breaks
Nature plays a significant role in Finnish office culture. Finns have a deep appreciation for nature and bring it into their workspaces. Offices often have green spaces, indoor plants, and outdoor work areas. My colleagues have their own plants beside their desks. They water it and take care of it.
These elements reduce stress and boost creativity. And let’s not forget the beloved “Kahvitauko” or coffee break, which is part of Finnish work culture. It’s where you’re not only getting a caffeine fix but also socializing, unwinding, and recharging. I must say, I met many of my colleagues from other departments during this coffee break.
These breaks help build better understanding among colleagues and provide a much-needed pause during the workday, creating a more relaxed and productive work environment. Apart from this, my colleagues organize outdoor picnics or one dish party every month during summer. In winter, sometimes they go swimming or to Sauna together.
4. The Harmony of Focus and Efficiency
Traits like efficiency and focus are peak in Finnish offices. The meetings are short and straight to the point. Finns believe in clear and direct communication to minimize misunderstandings and keep everyone on the same page.
It also leads to quick decision-making and a steady workflow. Plus, Finns prioritize getting things done as efficiently as possible. The goal is to work smart.
This mindset encourages employees to focus on tasks without distractions, resulting in higher-quality output and a more efficient work process.
5. Technology Takes the Cake
Finland is known for being super tech-savvy, and you can see that in their office culture. They have a top-notch secured IT system, and are not shy to jump on new technologies that make them better.
They seamlessly integrate digital tools and platforms into everyday work routines, making remote work and flexible arrangements a breeze. This tech edge keeps Finnish companies at the forefront of innovation, creating a culture that embraces change and constantly looks for improvement.
They even encourage their employees to stay up-to-date with the latest tech advancements, ensuring they remain competitive and efficient. How cool is that?
6. They’re Always Learning
In Finland, a big part of their culture is the willingness to learn. Which you can see in the workplace. Which is why a lot of the time, supervisors do not track their work, they let the employees figure it out.
They value continuous professional development. The workplace gives them the leverage to attend courses, workshops, and conferences to boost their skills and knowledge.
I received 3 training sessions in the first 6 months of my joining. My colleagues always appreciated my enthusiasm to learn new things. I can even request for training relevant to my progress.
And as a bonus, It’s not just good for the employees, it benefits the whole organization too! They see their employees as super valuable assets and understand that investing in their growth is crucial for the company’s success and this helps build loyalty too.
Conclusion
It’s quite fascinating how unique Finnish office culture is. They set the bar high for workplaces all around the world.
It’s not just about having the best tech or workspace, but it’s about valuing employees as whole individuals and creating an environment supporting productivity and their personal satisfaction.
In 2024, it is hard to get a job in Finland. But once you are in, you can expect your employer will value you. They believe that when employees are happy, they’re way more productive. I hope you enjoyed learning a bit about the Finn work culture. Thank you for reading!
Pic credit: https://pixabay.com/photos/people-business-meeting-1979261/