Finland is a country that is often recognized for its high standard of living, quality education, and breathtaking natural beauty. However, one aspect of Finnish society that is often overlooked is the country’s excellent working conditions. In Finland, workers enjoy a number of benefits and protections that are designed to ensure their well-being and promote a healthy work-life balance. From generous parental leave policies to comprehensive healthcare coverage, Finnish workers are among the most well-cared-for in the world. In this blog post, we will explore the various aspects of working conditions in Finland and what makes them so unique.
Table of Contents
Working Wage
The work culture and standard of living in Finland are quite good. You will find many workers like yourself with whom you can make friends. The cost of living in Finland is slightly higher than in other European countries. Therefore, your salary will also be slightly higher than in other countries. Finland’s law does not specify a minimum working wage, but the salary mentioned in your contract is the salary you will receive.
Work Site
The location of your work in Finland depends on your industry. In most places of work, you will be provided with various facilities such as work uniforms, daily lunch, and overtime. You will work with people from different countries, and many people, including Indians, can be found working with you. You will find many friendly people on the work site with whom you can make friends and become a part of the community. You can also talk to your seniors without hesitation and share any work-related problems.
Work Uniform
While working, you will be provided with a uniform by the company at the work site. This uniform is provided with all safety measures in mind to ensure your safety while working. Your uniform may include safety gear such as a helmet, safety boots, or goggles.
How to travel to work
If you are wondering how to go to work, public transport in Finland has a good network and is affordable for you. You can easily reach the work site by bus or train. You will make friends on the work site, and you can also travel with them.
Working Hours
The rule in Finland is to work 40 hours a week. Your company cannot force any worker to work more than 8 hours a day. Overtime work is allowed, and workers are paid well for it. In Finland, you get two days off per week, and workers can work different shifts, such as morning or evening shifts.
Work Leaves
In Finland, every worker is entitled to 24 paid leaves per year. On public holidays, you also get a day off from work.
- Sick leave comes first in terms of leaves. If any employee is sick, they can take paid sick leave, which depends on the employer.
- After that, there is paternity leave, which is granted to a father when his newborn child is born. In this situation, the father is given 54 days of paid paternity leave.
- Maternity leave is given to the mother and is paid for. You can get up to 105 working days of maternity leave.
- After this, there is parental leave, which is for both parents of a newborn child. Both parents can take leave together for 158 days, or they can take leave separately for 79 days each. This leave is also paid.
- Next, there is study leave, which can be taken by an employee who wants to further their education or training for up to two years without pay.
- In addition to this, you also get 12 paid public holidays.
- If you need leave for any urgent or family work, you can directly talk to your employer and take 2-3 days off. This leave depends on the policy of the individual company.
Safety Measures at Work
In Finland, safety at the workplace is taken very seriously. Employers are required by law to provide a safe and healthy working environment for their employees. This means that they must take measures to identify and assess any potential hazards and take steps to eliminate or minimize them.
One of the key safety measures in Finnish workplaces is the use of protective equipment. Employers are required to provide employees with the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) to perform their work safely. This can include items such as safety glasses, helmets, gloves, and safety shoes.
Finnish workplaces also have strict regulations for working at heights and in confined spaces. Employers are required to provide training for employees who will be working in these areas, as well as implement safety procedures and equipment such as safety harnesses and rescue equipment.
Furthermore, Finnish law requires employers to have an emergency plan in place in case of accidents or other unexpected events. This plan should outline the actions to be taken in the event of an emergency, such as evacuations or first aid procedures.
Overall, the safety measures at work sites in Finland are comprehensive and aimed at protecting the well-being of workers. Employers are held to high standards in ensuring a safe and healthy workplace, and employees can feel secure knowing that their safety is a top priority.
Other Benefits
In addition to safety measures, workers in Finland are also entitled to various benefits and protections under the law. All employees are required to have health insurance, which covers the cost of medical treatment and hospitalization. Social security contributions are also mandatory, providing workers with financial protection in case of illness, disability, or retirement. Pension plans are also available, which ensure a steady income stream for retired workers.
Furthermore, Finland has strong anti-discrimination and anti-harassment laws in place to protect workers from unfair treatment. Discrimination based on factors such as age, gender, race, religion, or sexual orientation is illegal, and any instances of discrimination can be reported to the authorities. Similarly, harassment of any kind, including sexual harassment, is not tolerated in the workplace and can lead to serious consequences for the perpetrator.
Overall, Finland has a comprehensive legal framework in place to protect the rights and well-being of workers. From safety measures to benefits and protections, employees in Poland are entitled to a fair and just working environment.