Does the word Finn cause you goosebumps? Have you heard Finns are cold, mean, shy, and quiet? I bet you have – and that’s probably one of the biggest lies you have ever been told!
When it comes to Finnish customs and social etiquette, several unique aspects set Finland apart. Stereotypically, Finns are cold and shy introverts, but Finnish people are actually something else. Contrary to common stereotypes, Finnish people exhibit a rich culture of respecting one another and having deep and genuine relationships. In this article, we will explore the nuances of Finnish culture and etiquette, breaking the typical stereotypes and shedding light on the admirable qualities that define Finnish society.
Finnish Customs: Understanding Finnish Culture
Finland is the country of freedom, it’s known for being the happiest country in the world for the 6th time in a row, and even the Finnish educational system is impressive. Even when there are a lot of amazing things in Finland, relocating can be scary when there’s a whole new culture ahead. While the pandemic made us keep a safe distance from each other, for Finns, it was already normal behavior – So, it’s not a surprise that for a foreigner Finns might seem difficult to approach.
Because of the individuals minding their businesses, you might even think there isn’t such a thing as Finnish small talk. That can be considered right, but it depends on what we count as small talk. However, Finns do have their unique way of small talk.
Finnish social etiquette – Do Finnish people small talk?
No matter if you relocate to Finland from the US or Central Europe, Finnish small talk will, most likely, be very different from the one you’re used to. It’s not uncommon to have a small talk with a Finn, but there has to be a topic for it to happen. The topic can be something you two have in common: you both are walking your dogs, the bus is late and it’s making you both frustrated – or something is happening around you both, making it easy to chat about it.
Finns like to start a conversation by going straight to the point and the style of speech is direct and straightforward. In Finland, people are expected to truly mean what they say, and expect you to act accordingly. It’s considered rude to interrupt people when they are speaking and Finns prefer to speak not too loudly. So, don’t feel pressured while communicating with a Finn! You can easily start a small talk. Once everything is said, don’t let the calm silence disturb you. It’s just a natural ending for a successful conversation – and Finn will not see the possible awkwardness.
Finns are always on time
Finns are renowned for their punctuality. If you invite a Finn to a party starting at 6 PM, you can rest assured that they will be there at 6 PM sharp – or probably even a few minutes earlier. Finnish people can find it disrespectful to not show up on time, especially without notifying them. Every Finn knows the stress that comes with being late. Punctuality is deeply embedded in Finnish culture for generations. From an early age, children are taught the value of being on time and the importance of fulfilling commitments. These cultural norms and expectations shape individuals’ behavior and contribute to the overall adherence to punctuality.
But it’s essential to note that while Finns make a genuine effort to be punctual and consider it a matter of personal responsibility and societal expectation, occasional delays or unforeseen circumstances are always understood and accepted. No one’s going to hate you for being late once or twice – but don’t make it a habit. Read our article about Finnish work culture to learn more.
Understanding Finnish culture: How to make friends in Finland?
Finnish people are known for their honesty and sincerity. When a Finn gives their word, it is considered a bond that’s not easily broken. However, building a deep connection with a Finn requires more than a few small talks.
Trust is the main key to making friends in Finland. As Finns do not chat about anything with anyone, there’s a lot of room left for genuine and deep conversations. Once you get past the small talking line, you can assure that the Finn genuinely wants to get to know you.
Finns are known for their straightforwardness and sincerity in their interactions. They value honesty as a means of building trust and maintaining open communication. This cultural emphasis on honesty may manifest as directness in conversations, which might be perceived as bluntness by those unfamiliar with Finnish customs. However, it is important to recognize that this directness stems from a place of authenticity rather than rudeness.
Life happens at home
Finns make new friends differently than many other cultures do, and the mos common ways to make friends in Finland are at work, school, or hobbies. Finns do spend a lot of time at their homes.
Of course, Finns do love to go out, especially in the summertime. But creating a deeper connection with someone usually happens at home. No matter if it’s a romantic date or getting to know your new co-worker, it’s common to meet somewhere outside a few times before “taking the next step” by inviting them to your place. When invited to Finn’s home, you are about to get to the deeper level!
Working in Finland – Enjoy the equality
One of the notable aspects of Finnish work etiquette is the emphasis on equality and flat hierarchies. Finland’s working environment is typically characterized by open communication and a collaborative approach. Employees are encouraged to share their opinions and contribute to decision-making processes, regardless of their position in the organizational hierarchy.
Finnish workplaces value the contributions of each team member. Ideas are freely exchanged, and employees feel empowered to challenge existing practices for improvement. Finland also has many laws and regulations which shape the work environment in every industry. According to Finnish law, everyone is entitled to be treated equally regardless of their background, gender, or other characteristics, and discrimination is a crime.