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Working in Lahti

Finland is known for a good work-life balance. Read more about how working life functions in the Lahti area, legislation, and finding a job.

Working in Lahti: learn about work in Finland, job market and more!

Understanding Finnish working culture can help you adapt more easily to working life in Finland and avoid misunderstandings at the workplace. In Finland, a good work–life balance is important. People usually keep work and private life separate and take their full annual leave.

Finnish working culture values honesty, punctuality, independence, and open communication. The approach to work is practical and focused on solving problems.

Workplaces usually have flat hierarchies. Employees are encouraged to share ideas and opinions. Managers expect you to work independently and take responsibility for your tasks, without constant supervision.

Do this if you become unemployed

If you are newly unemployed or at risk of (immediate) unemployment, you must register as a jobseeker. If you have not registered as a jobseeker, you cannot receive unemployment benefits.

You can register as a jobseeker either online, or by visiting your municipality’s Employment Services:

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Worker’s rights in Finland

Understanding your rights at work helps you feel more confident and protected when working in Finland.

In Finland, work and employee rights are regulated by law and by collective agreements (TES). Collective agreements are negotiated between employer organisations and trade unions. They often provide better terms and conditions than the law alone.

Employees are protected by the Non-Discrimination Act and the Equality Act. These laws prohibit unfair treatment and discrimination at work. Public authorities can provide support if discrimination occurs.

Trade unions support employees in working life. Membership often includes an unemployment fund. This means you may receive higher, earnings-related unemployment benefits if you become unemployed.

Learn more about worker's rights

Trade unions

Joining a trade union can help you understand your rights and feel more secure in working life in Finland.

In Finland, employees can join trade unions and unemployment funds. Membership requires a fee, which is tax-deductible. There are around 80 trade unions in Finland. They are organised under three main federations: SAK, STTK, and Akava. Trade unions are usually based on profession, level of education, or industry.

Trade unions support employees’ rights and represent their members in negotiations on working conditions, wages, and salaries. By joining a trade union, you often also gain access to its unemployment fund.

Unemployment funds pay earnings-related unemployment benefits. These benefits are higher than the basic unemployment allowance paid by the government.

More information about trade unions

Finnish Refugee Council

If you need advice or support related to working life in Finland, the Finnish Refugee Council offers free and confidential services for employees.

If you need information about working conditions, or if you have experienced unfair treatment or illegal work, you can receive confidential support, guidance, and advice from the Fair Labor project of the Finnish Refugee Council. You can also contact the service anonymously.

Support is available in several languages, and all services are free of charge.

Support for work-life challenges

Official Job Search Platforms and Working Life Information

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