This year the salary development programme will focus on select jobs in the Education Division and Culture and Leisure Division.
“We want Helsinki to be the most attractive employer in the public sector. That’s why we directed this year’s salary development programme to assist with the swift implementation of the level pay system and employees working with children and young people,” said Daniel Sazonov, Mayor of Helsinki.
Salary development programme expedites salary compliance with the municipal sector’s new level pay system
This year, the salary development programme will raise the salaries of early childhood education carers as well as certain early childhood education teachers and social workers. In addition, there will be increases to the salaries of select youth workers, sports instructors and physical activity coordinators.
Jobs affected by the salary development programme this year are all covered by the municipal sector’s new level pay system for determining salaries. Under the level pay system, jobs are assigned to different levels according to the competencies and responsibilities they require. After the transition period, the goal is for all jobs in the same pay level group to be paid the same salary. In 2026, the city will promote this goal with the help of the salary development programme. In total, the pay of over 5,000 of our employees will be slightly increased.
“Salary development is one of many factors that contribute to a good employee experience. It is great that we have been able to continue our salary development programme once again this year and at the same time expedite implementation of the new level pay system,” said Joanna Brady-Bister, the city’s HR Policy Director.
Salary development programme is part of the city’s annual budget process
The City of Helsinki’s salary development programme is a part of the budgeting process. Each year, the City Council decides on an appropriation for the programme. The goal is to systematically improve salary levels, so the city will remain an attractive employer for current employees and new recruits. The programme was launched in 2019, and the sum that is allocated varies from year to year.
Helsinki is committed to rewarding its staff
The city also rewards good work performance. Helsinki has set aside a separate reserve for one-off performance bonuses, which are paid to staff throughout the year. This year, a full 1.75 per cent of the sum of the staff’s entire annual salary has been reserved for the one-off bonuses.
In addition to monetary remuneration, all City of Helsinki staff have a range of employee benefits available to them. In addition to their salary and possible bonuses, employees of the City of Helsinki have access to extensive staff benefits, such as a lunch benefit, a sports, culture and wellbeing benefit, a commuting benefit, a bicycle benefit, staff exercise opportunities and personnel finance services. Employees can also take advantage of the extensive investments that the city, as a large employer, makes in the quality of working life, such as occupational health and wellbeing, opportunities for personal development and additional training.
