What are the benefits of working in Finland?

Are you planning to work in Finland after getting a job offer from an employer in that country? If so, get to know some facts about working in this Nordic country.

A member of the European Union (EU), this Northern European country has been ranked first worldwide on World Happiness Report for four consecutive years from 2019 to 2022. It also ranks high on gender equality by ranking second in the Global Gender Gap Index in 2021.

Work hours and holidays

Employees work for 40 hours a week in Finland. Those who work extra hours are eligible for additional wages.

After they complete working at least one year with the employer, employees are eligible for 24 to 36 days of paid vacation every year. It is on top of 12 Finnish public holidays per year.

Minimum earnings

Finland does not have any universal minimum wage. While workers in Finland are not bound by a universal labor agreement for the responsibilities of employers, they need to pay their employees wages that are considered 'natural and fair.' Combined arrangements decide minimum incomes and other employment situations. For instance, a few employers do provide their employees with benefits such as free food and accommodation.

Tax cuts

In Finland, progressive taxation implies that those drawing higher incomes will have higher tax percentages.

The Tax Administration website of the Republic of Finland has in place a tax calculator to arrive at the tax percentage. The government uses taxes to pay for a whole range of public services that it provides to its citizens.

Employee Income Tax

For people earning up to €17,200, the income tax is 0%, it is 6% for those earning above €17,200 to up to €25,700. Those making upwards of €25,700 up to €42,400 need to pay 17.25%, it is 21.25% for those earning €42,400 to €74,200, and it is 31.25% for all those earning more than €74,200.

Social security

The social security system of Finland offers financial support to employees as per the circumstances at various stages of the lives of individuals and their families, starting from birth up to old age. Included in these are benefits of healthcare and unemployment. Families are also covered for child support, home care, private care, and maternity, among others. Employers need to provide occupational healthcare benefits as well.

Employees in Finland who have worked at a firm for more than one month are entitled to sick pay. Most workers are required to furnish a doctor's certificate. Workers get 50 percent of their salaries as sick pay during their first month of employment. Finish law allows workers payment of up to 9 days as sick pay.

Healthcare benefits

Healthcare benefits (Mehiläinen) are provided by employers such as preventive healthcare, including medical care and procedures. They also include vaccines, medical specialist services, physiotherapy, and psychiatric services.

To fund the public sector's healthcare services, Finland uses municipal taxes. All those covered by the social security system of Finland or holding European Health Insurance Cards get reimbursements when using private healthcare facilities. Additional insurance can be availed from various insurance firms. Moreover, insurance in Finland is not too expensive and offers the beneficiaries the option of using private clinics at affordable prices.

Accident insurance

Employers need to provide accident insurance to foreigners working in Finland mandatorily. This insurance covers all expenses for injuries when employees are at work or are commuting to and from work.

If a foreign firm has temporarily relocated its employee to Finland, the country's insurance policy that has sent him/her has to be covered by the country where the firm is located. Additionally, its premiums would also be charged there.

Parental leaves

Finland offers several options to working parents to take leaves to tend to their young ones. Finland provides a total of 263 weekdays of maternity and paternity leaves. Employees who are parents are entitled to a daily allowance from KELA, Finland’s Social Insurance Institution, as per their wages that are based on the duration of their family leave allowances. Employees must get back to work after family leave duration lapses.

Temporary leaves

If an employee's child, who is aged below 10, gets sick, he/she is entitled to up to four days of temporary care leave.

Study leave

Finnish companies let workers take study leave for up to two years if they have completed more than one year in the same company. The employee's studies need not be relevant to the company they work for to be eligible for study leave.

Trade unions

Trade unions take precedence in the lives of employees of Finland. They ensure that all conditions for working and wages are met. Employees should join labor unions at their workplaces. If they have irreconcilable disputes with their superiors, employees can seek legal assistance from their labor unions.

Work conditions 

There is no strict hierarchy in a workplace in Finland. The work culture is impartial and comfortable in Finland. Employers in this country offer flexibility regarding working timings and leaves.

Conclusion

 Furthermore, individuality is respected and appreciated along with the personal space of each employee. At the same time, Finland emphasizes integrity, punctuality, and egalitarianism. If you are a UAE citizen who is looking to work in Finland, contact Y-Axis, the World's No. 1 Overseas Consultant.

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