What are the benefits of working in Finland?

If you have planned an overseas career in Finland and have landed a job there and plan to move there, you will first need to know the benefits of working in the country

Working hours and paid time off

The working hours in Finland are 40 hours per week and overtime is entitled for extra wages.

Employees are entitled to 24-36 days of paid holiday annually after working for minimum of one year with an employer. Apart from this there are 12 public holidays in a year.

Minimum wage

In Finland, there is no universal minimum wage. Collective arrangements determine minimum wage and other conditions of employment; some employers go so far as to provide benefits such as food and residence. While there is no universally binding labor agreement for the sector with employer responsibilities, the employer must pay salaries deemed 'natural and fair'.

Tax rates

Finland has progressive taxation, which means that, along with wages, the tax percentage also rises.

The Finnish Tax Administration website has a tax calculator that can be used to estimate the tax percentage. Taxes are used to fund a wide range of public services provided by Finnish society, among other things.

Employee Income Tax

0.00%-Up to 17,200

6.00%-17,200 - 25,700

17.25%-25,700 - 42,400

21.25%-42,400 - 74,200

31.25%-Over 74,200

Social security

The Finnish social security system offers financial support in various life circumstances for individuals and families from birth to old age. Benefits include healthcare and unemployment benefits. Families also have many kinds of coverage, including child support and home care allowances, private care allowances, and maternity allowances.

Employers provide occupational healthcare as well.

Once they have worked for an organization for more than one month, employees in Finland are entitled to sick pay. A doctor's certificate is required by most employers. Usually, sick pay for the first month of employment is 50 percent of the salary of the worker. Staff can receive up to 9 days 'worth of sick pay according to Finnish law.

Healthcare benefits

Employers provide healthcare benefits (Mehiläinen) that include includes preventive healthcare, including medical care and processes. Moreover, medical specialist services, vaccines, psychiatric services and physiotherapy are also included.

Municipal taxes are used to fund healthcare services in the public sector. When using private healthcare clinics, anyone who is covered by the Finnish social security system or has a European Health Insurance Card receives expense reimbursements. Additional insurance is available from a variety of insurance companies. Insurance is inexpensive and gives you the option of using private clinics at affordable rates.

Accident insurance

An employer must provide compulsory accident insurance to a foreign employee working in Finland. At work and on the drive to work, the insurance covers all injuries.

 If a foreign employer has temporarily sent an employee to work in Finland, the employee may be covered by the insurance policy of the sending country, in which case the insurance premiums are charged only there.

Family leave

In Finland, there are many options for working parents to take time off to look after small children, with a total of 263 weekdays of maternity and parental leave. Parents earn a daily allowance from KELA, the Social Insurance Institution of Finland according to the employee's salary over the length of their family leave allowance.

The employee is entitled to return to their own job after the time of family leave is over. If this is not feasible, they are entitled, in compliance with the contract they had in their previous employment, to take up a similar role elsewhere.

Temporary leave

If your child is younger than 10 years of age and gets sick, you can take up to 4 days of temporary care leave.

Study leave

Companies in Finland allow workers to take study leave for up to two years if they have been working for a total of one year in the same company. In order to be entitled to study leave, the employee's studies need not be connected to the organization for which they work.

Trade unions

Trade unions are highly relevant in Finland's working life. They control and oversee all working conditions and wages. When an employee is having unsolvable disputes with their boss, labor unions also provide legal assistance. Joining the union of your sector or occupation is strongly advisable.

Work culture

In Finland, the work culture is fair and relaxed. Employers are typically very flexible in terms of working hours and vacations, and there is a low degree of hierarchy among employees.

Independence and personal space are appreciated and respected. In addition, Finland places a great importance on honesty, punctuality, and equality. These values are also valued in the workplace. The workplace culture encourages autonomy and self-direction while also encouraging cross-cultural collaboration.