This article explains the main characteristics of the Finnish work culture, such as honesty, equality, punctuality, autonomy, and teamwork. You will get some tips on communicating effectively with your Finnish colleagues and managers.
Finland is renowned for its amazing natural beauty, innovative technology, and unique work culture. This culture is based on ideals like fairness, honesty, and being on time. The work culture in Finland affects people's quality of life and happiness at work and how business is done. Anyone who wants to work or do business in Finland needs to understand these cultural differences. We'll look at four important parts of working in Finland and give you useful tips that will help you fit in right away.
Truthfulness and Openness - Always Being Honest
Being honest at work is expected in Finland. When it comes to business talks and performance reviews, Finns like it when things are honest and straightforward. This desire for honesty creates a workplace that is open and reliable.
Advice on how to adapt:
- Be Clear: When you talk to someone, be direct and get to the point. People respect and value people who don't sugarcoat their words.
- Stay Honest: Be honest about your thoughts and feelings in talks and negotiations. People think of it as a sign of professionalism and respect.
Respect and equality: flat hierarchies and welcoming everyone
People around the world know Finland for its flat organizational structure. This setup represents the Finnish value of equality and creates an environment where everyone feels welcome, and their ideas are valuable.
This equality goes beyond job titles and includes respect for personal life and a good mix between work and personal life.
Adjusting to equal rights:
- Accept inclusion: Be willing to listen to everyone on the team, no matter what role they hold.
- Respect the Lines: Know and accept that Finns want to balance their work and personal lives. Don't stay late or bother people on their personal time.
Being on time and efficiently — time is of the essence
Being on time is an important part of being professional in Finland. On-time meetings and sticking to schedules are standard, and productivity is exceptionally high. This respect for time reflects a deeper cultural focus on getting things done on time and well.
Being Punctually Proficient:
- Managing your time: Always be on time, whether it's a business meeting or a social event.
- Follow the deadlines: Meet, if not beat, targets to show that you are a professional.
Autonomy and Responsibility - Independent Yet Collaborative
The Finnish way of working puts a lot of value on independence. Most of the time, employees are free to plan and do their job with little oversight. But with this freedom comes the obligation of taking the lead and being responsible.
Embracing autonomy:
- Take initiative: Show that you are ready to take care of your tasks and responsibilities by taking the initiative.
- Work together wisely: Working alone is important, but being able to work with others when needed is also important.
The Finnish way of working is based on working together as a team
Finns put a lot of value on individual freedom, but they also know how important it is to work together. When people in Finland work together, they usually work on projects together, with an emphasis on group effort and success.
Succeeding in teamwork:
- Communicate Effectively: Keep your team informed of your progress and be open to supporting others.
- Foster Team Spirit: Engage actively in team activities and discussions, valuing each member's contribution.
Learning how to work in Finland can be a beneficial experience that helps you grow as a person and as an employee. Adopting values like fairness, punctuality, independence, and teamwork will not only help you fit in at work in Finland, but they will also help you learn more about a society that puts a lot of value on respect, efficiency, and living a full life.
As you embark on your journey in Finland, remember that being open, respectful, and proactive are key to your success in this unique and vibrant work environment.