Finland’s working culture is known for its emphasis on professionalism and mutual respect, where both individual contributions and teamwork are highly valued. There is a clear focus on maintaining a balance between work and personal life. Overall, the culture promotes fairness, inclusivity, and a strong sense of well-being.
I really appreciate the Finnish independent work culture that allows for remote work. However, the independent working style may sometimes lead to feelings of isolation or disconnection among employees, especially in remote work settings where team cohesion can be harder to maintain.
As a punctual person, I value punctuality in Finnish work culture. While punctuality is valued, it can also create pressure, particularly for those who may have difficulty managing their time effectively or who are used to more flexible approaches to scheduling. Finns are also very conscientious and flexible, which on the other hand can harmfully lead to burnout.
Communication in Finnish work culture tends to be straightforward, with a preference for clarity and efficiency in discussions. Finns value straightforwardness, so business conversations are often concise and to the point, with little room for unnecessary small talk. This approach helps create an atmosphere of transparency, where expectations are clearly communicated, and feedback is given openly but respectfully.
Meetings and discussions are generally well-structured, with a focus on productivity and solutions rather than lengthy deliberations. Silence is also seen as a normal part of communication, and it is not unusual for pauses in conversations to occur while people process information. This reflects a cultural preference for thoughtfulness over rushing to speak. The straightforward communication style can sometimes come off as blunt or harsh, particularly to those from cultures that value more indirect or nuanced communication.
I am originally from Valkeakoski, but I have also lived in Helsinki and abroad, such as in Copenhagen. Currently, I have lived and worked in Tampere for five years, but I don’t identify myself as a Tampere resident. Since I have lived in so many places and also worked abroad, my professional identity sometimes feels quite fragmented. Still, when I think about my roots as an identity builder, a few points arise. Finns in general tend to be straightforward in their communication, and this can be particularly pronounced in Tampere, where people often value practicality and honesty. My background may lead me to adopt a similar direct communication style, valuing clarity and efficiency in conversations. I also think that my regional background can influence me understanding of local humor, customs, and social norms, which can enrich my interactions and help me connect with others more easily.
What comes to communication, I noticed the difference when I was working in Copenhagen. Finns were the most blunt in their communication, but also very honest and straightforward, while e.g. Swedes were super friendly but they did not always stay on topic. There are also differences within Finland; when I worked in Helsinki as a young person, I sensed that my colleagues viewed me as naïve because I didn’t have a complete understanding of the city. It seemed that they viewed me as a provincial person and they considered themselves to be urbanites.
I wish that Finnish work culture and the atmosphere were more international. I believe that Finnish work culture is still lagging behind in terms of internationalization when I compare it to the work culture in Copenhagen, where I worked for almost three years.