What is the current experience of working life in Finland, and what do employees hope for in the future? The latest Working Life Poll by the Federation of Finnish Enterprises offers a broad overview of everyday work, well-being at work, and labor market policy. The results highlight trust within work communities and satisfaction with remote work. Notably, small workplaces appear to be exemplary models of functioning working life.
The poll also reveals growing support for a minimum wage law and universal earnings-related unemployment security, even though some respondents remain uncertain about these issues. Attitudes toward strikes have become more critical, and concrete actions are desired to address labor shortages — such as more study places, better leadership, and wage increases. The overall picture is one of a working life where trust, meaningfulness, and flexibility are valued — but where security and effective solutions for future challenges are also hoped for.
The survey was conducted by Verian on behalf of the Federation of Finnish Enterprises from June 5 to 11, 2025, with a total of 1,093 respondents. Respondents were aged 18–69 and included employees, entrepreneurs, unemployed people, and those laid off. The margin of error for the overall results is ±3.0 percentage points at a 50% response level.
Ways of Working and Job Satisfaction
According to the Working Life Poll, trust is widespread in Finnish workplaces, and balancing work and family life is perceived as possible — especially by those working in smaller companies. A good workplace atmosphere is considered more important than salary for job satisfaction.
As many as 79% of employed respondents feel they can balance work and family life. 70% say the atmosphere at their workplace is based on trust.
“The results show that a clear majority of Finns feel their work supports their everyday well-being,” says Harri Hellstén, Head of Labor Market Affairs at the Federation of Finnish Enterprises.
63% of respondents consider the quality of management good, and 70% feel everyone is treated equally. However, transparency in communication receives lower marks: 60% say information flows openly, but 32% disagree.
The best situation is in small companies, which have consistently received the highest ratings in similar surveys for years.
“Especially workplaces with fewer than 10 employees score best in trust, fairness, and communication,” Hellstén notes.
Team Spirit, Pay, and Purpose Matter Most
According to respondents, the most important factors for job satisfaction are work atmosphere, team spirit, pay, and the meaningfulness of work. An employer’s values or employment benefits have the least impact on satisfaction.
“This suggests that effective interaction and community play a critical role. As expected, pay remains important, but it’s not enough on its own,” says Hellstén.
Young People and Entrepreneurs Are the Most Satisfied
The youngest age group (18–29) views their work atmosphere, well-being, and leadership more positively than older respondents. Hellstén sees this as a positive sign:
“It shows that employers are succeeding in creating a positive experience for those just starting out in their careers.”
Entrepreneurs reported the highest levels of well-being, as did those in leadership or senior roles. Hellstén believes this reflects the freedom and control entrepreneurs often have over their work. On the other hand, employees in subordinate roles are more critical — likely because they have less influence over their tasks and schedules.
Remote Work Has Increased Job Satisfaction
Almost half (46%) of respondents reported working remotely in the past 12 months. Three out of four (74%) would like to continue working remotely, and half would consider changing jobs if remote work were not allowed.
“Remote work is here to stay, even if it has decreased somewhat. It’s still widely practiced and seen as having many positive effects,” says Mikael Pentikäinen, CEO of the Federation of Finnish Enterprises.
The impacts of remote work are mostly positive. Respondents say it has improved job satisfaction, meaningfulness, independence, productivity, and control over one’s work. It is also perceived to reduce stress, sick leave, and family-related challenges. However, despite perceived reductions in sick leave, actual sick leave has increased slightly since the last survey.
Minimum Wage Law and Universal Earnings-Related Unemployment Security
A significant share of respondents – 43% – support a minimum wage law, while 19% oppose it and 39% are unsure. Support is highest among women and those aged 55+, as well as among employees and unemployed individuals.
Finland does not currently have a statutory minimum wage, unlike most EU countries. The Federation of Finnish Enterprises says such a law would bring clarity to those outside collective agreements.
“A minimum wage law would be a good way to increase security at work, reduce abuse, and create clear rules,” says Pentikäinen.
Broad Support for Universal Earnings-Related Unemployment Security
Working people broadly support universal earnings-related unemployment benefits. 42% see it as a good idea, providing income-based support even to those who are not members of unemployment funds. Fewer than one-third (31%) oppose the idea. Young people and those not in unions are especially eager to reform the system to include those currently excluded.
“The current model treats the most vulnerable groups — often young people — unfairly. Many also mistakenly believe that union membership automatically guarantees benefits, and there seems to be little interest in correcting that misconception,” Hellstén points out.
Attitudes Toward Strikes and Solving the Labor Shortage
Attitudes toward strikes have shifted. In the latest poll, 38% said Finland has too many strikes, up from 22% in early 2023.
“People understand that strikes cause economic damage and hurt businesses and the economy overall,” Pentikäinen says.
The groups most likely to believe there are too many strikes include men, people over 55, those in leadership positions, entrepreneurs, and non-union members. The most positive views of strikes come from people working in NGOs, municipalities, public companies, and wellbeing services counties.
“There’s more support for strikes in the public sector. Many may feel that strikes won’t collapse the public sector, even though they cause disruptions — but they could be fatal to a business,” Pentikäinen adds.
More Study Places and Apprenticeship Reform Needed
To address labor shortages, respondents want to see more study places, reform of the apprenticeship system, and lower employer-side costs. They also believe workplaces could ease labor shortages by raising wages, offering internships, improving management, and cooperating more with educational institutions.
“People believe in practical, everyday solutions — like pay raises, training opportunities, and better leadership. Temporary agency labor or brand campaigns don’t seem to inspire much trust,” comments Juhana Brotherus, Chief Economist of the Federation of Finnish Enterprises.