Working hours are observed in the Finnish work culture. There are places where the start and end times are very specific in terms of lengths of the breaks. There are also places where they are more open, but generally pick up times. Finnish people are used to sticking to schedules, so criticism also comes easily if the agreed times are not true. This is something I am used to myself and I like using schedules. When talking about Finnish quality, it is partly true, but it can no be generalized. The older generation works very conscientiously, with good materials, and the end result has been durable and good. Nowadays, the the aim is to do things as quickly and as cheaply as possible, in which case the quality suffers. For certain products, Finnish quality is still high, such as Marimekko, and such products are appreciated around the world. A durable and high-quality products and service is influenced by work ethic. In my opinion, the Finnish work ethic is moderately good, and I consider mine to be high. I have done all kinds of work and I always do everything as well as I can. I think all jobs are valuable and important. However, not all Finns value low-paid jobs enough, such as the jobs of cleaners, seamstresses, garbage drivers and nurses. Many young people get a higher education and aim for a better-paid job and higher position.
In female-dominated fields, such as the sewing industry, where I myself have been, there is easy discrimination, backbiting and nasty attitudes among women. This is something I don't like and it is hard to change this if people don't change their behavior. Strong leadership and changing the tasks and workstations of employees could on some level bring help to this interpersonal communication and interaction. A workplace with both men and women works better and more direct communication is practiced here.
Leadership is something I think needs a stronger hold in Finland. In many places, the manager doesn't dare or doesn't want to take a strict line if necessary, which would nevertheless guide employees, tasks and the company in the right direction. I think this is also shown at the level of the Finnish government.
Occupational health care is at high level in Finland and companies have at least statutory heath care for employees, and in many companies occupational health care is also extensive, covering versatile health care services. The possibility of taking care of children is also well taken into account, for example by working reduced working hours and when the employees receives a salary also when a child under 10 years old falls ill. Shift leave, on the other hand, gives older employees the opportunity to have more free time and accumulate resources.