Helsinki is famous for its great work-life balance. Helsinki Employment Services can help you find the job of your dreams and Business Helsinki is here to help entrepreneurs.
Residents are hardworking and trustworthy, and the Nordic welfare state provides stability and security. High levels of gender equality, generous holiday and parental leaves, and relatively fast commutes are also big bonuses.
Helsinki values a good work-life balance. As a rule, working hours in Finland do not exceed 40 hours a week, and employers must provide lunch and coffee breaks for employees working for more than six hours at a time. If you work at least 14 days or 35 hours per month, you accrue annual holidays.
Families are entitled to nearly a year of paid family leave when children are born. Both mothers and fathers can take leaves from work to care for a child. In addition, one parent can take parental leave or work part-time until the child is three years old without losing their position.
Workplaces in Finland expect their employees to be independent and take care of the tasks they have been assigned. Finns appreciate promptness. If a meeting is scheduled to start at 8 in the morning, your co-workers will expect you to be there, ready to start, at that time. The same applies to deadlines.
Most people are on a first-name basis with their supervisors and co-workers. Your co-workers may give your work very direct feedback, as residents of Finland value straightforward talk and honesty. Finns tolerate silence well. Don’t be alarmed if a room falls quiet from time to time.
Finland highly values equality. In 2024, the employment rate was 76.9 per cent for men and 76.6 per cent for women. Discriminatory behaviour is against the law and not tolerated.
An international city of equality
Recognise exploitation and discrimination at the workplace(Link leads to external service)
Almost all employees receive a pay level in line with the collective labour agreement in their field. This system of collective agreements means that there is no minimum wage. According to the state-owned number cruncher Statistics Finland, the average monthly earnings of full-time wage and salary earners in late 2024 was EUR 4,140.
Close to two out of every three employees in Finland belong to a trade union. It is a good idea to join a union or unemployment fund if you start working in Helsinki, as there are often many benefits. The Employment Contracts Act linked below has information on employee and employer rights and responsibilities.
Taxes are high in Finland, but as a rule, people feel they get things that promote health, happiness and a higher quality of life in return. The Finnish Tax Administration (better known as Vero) calculates a withholding tax percentage for all employees. Employers will then withhold these taxes directly from your wages or salary.
InfoFinland: Taxation(Link leads to external service)
Finland's Employment Contracts Act(Link leads to external service)
Helsinki Employment Services is here to help you find a job. We offer special services to people who have recently arrived in Helsinki from abroad and are already in possession of a residence permit. We provide workshops, training, support and networking opportunities that can assist you to find your place in the Helsinki job market. Contact us today via e-services, by phone or email.
Have you ever considered starting your own business? In Helsinki, it is easy to start your own company and the city has many no-cost services to help make your entrepreneurial dreams come true. Start by visiting the Business Helsinki pages below. While you are at it, check out the list of upcoming training courses and events!
