Many students think that it is difficult to find jobs in Finland after graduation. However, it’s not always the case and it depends. The Finnish working environment is unique too, very different compared with the Asian culture. I have shared here my observations and yes, you will be surprised!
-Shania Shin, Master of Art (Education), Adult Education & Developmental Work Research
Flexible working hours
The working hours are surprisingly flexible in Finland. There is no specific time of working hours every day. For example, you can work from 8am and get off at 4pm. It only depends on your schedules and duties. If your company is even flexible enough, you can even arrange a day off for yourself. Shania Shin, a Korean who is now working in COME-Chamber of Multicultural Enterprises in Finland, said that it is flexible to work here comparing with her own country. “At the beginning, I could not get used to the working style here because we don’t need to work overtime.” said Shania.
She even thought it was a little bit ‘feeling guilty’ if she got off early. However, she now feels more comfortable to work like this and enjoy the flexible working schedules. She does not feel pressured or stressed when working because the workload is reasonable and she is able to handle it.
Employers care about employees
Working in Finland is remarkable. The employers care about the feelings of the employees. They understand the employees well-being and the situations of each. “I remember I was sick last time. I have called the supervisor for sick leave. However, I am still worried about my duties which has not completed yet. Thus, I went back to the office but my supervisor saw me. He immediately asked me to go back home and rest,” expressed Shania.
Shania could not believe that the supervisor really cared about her feelings and health as the employers in Korea were not like that.
Equality
There is no hierarchy between employers and employees. This is mostly practiced here in Finland. The employer is willing to listen to the employees’ comments and ideas and even accept it. “My supervisor is even willing to accept our suggestions and they let us work independently. After we have discussed the ideas, I am in charge of the whole process of the event,” expressed Shania. The employer gives the chances for the employees to develop and learn from different job tasks. Other colleagues treat Shania equally regardless of her nationality. They cooperate together happily.
The working environment and style in Finland are different with Korea, and even in other Asian countries such as Hong Kong. People in Finland do not need to be worried about the job duties or the relationships with other colleagues as everybody in Finnish culture work harmoniously. Finnish people are simple and they are willing to help. If you have any difficulties when doing tasks and you ask them questions, they will understand your situation and try their best to help. It is such a good working team!
Shania studied Master’s degree in Finland with 15+ years’ comprehensive professional experiences at Fortune 500 Companies. She had also a successful projects being a Mentoring Programme Officer, at Talent Boost Helsingin seudun kauppakamari – Helsinki region Chamber of Commerce 2016-2019.
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