The Development of Remote Work in Finland: Benefits and Challenges

remote work has become a significant part of working life in Finland, especially due to the COVID-19 pandemic. During the lockdown, many companies suddenly switched to remote work, and even after the pandemic, remote work has remained an integral part of Finnish working life.

In addition to the pandemic, technological advances and changing work-life expectations have contributed to the popularity of remote work.

For an increasing number of employees, the ability to work remotely is an important criterion when looking for a new job.

However, Finland has taken a few steps back from the biggest boom in remote work, as remote work also comes with its own challenges.

Remote work surges in Finland

The popularity of remote work has skyrocketed during the COVID pandemic in Finland, as it has across the world. Before the pandemic, remote work was quite rare and concentrated mainly in certain sectors, such as IT.

Before the pandemic, only about 14% of Finnish employees regularly worked from home. In the early stages of the pandemic, this number increased dramatically, and in spring 2020, as many as 60% worked remotely, either partially or entirely.

As the pandemic receded, the popularity of remote work also soon declined. However, at the end of 2021, around 50% of Finnish employees still worked remotely, at least part-time.

In addition, many companies have adopted a so-called hybrid model. In a hybrid model, employees can combine remote and office work, which provides greater flexibility and improves work-life balance.

Remote work remains more popular in some sectors. In traditional fields that require physical presence, remote work is naturally not possible at all.

Benefits: Cost savings and work-life balance

There is no doubt that remote work has its advantages for both employees and employers. One common advantage for both parties is cost savings.

For employees, telecommuting saves on travel expenses because there is no need to commute to work every day. In addition, savings come from lunches, coffee breaks, and other daily expenses that occur during the workday. On websites like Bonusetu, this is reflected in increased traffic because people have more money to spend.

For employers, the savings are even greater. Remote work allows companies to maintain smaller office spaces, and companies do not have to invest as much in office maintenance, such as cleaning, electricity and other daily expenses.

In addition, remote work also improves work-life balance. Finnish employees can more flexibly set their work schedules according to their personal needs. This means more time with family, the possibility of physical activity.

Challenges: Technical challenges and loneliness

Despite all the benefits of remote work, many Finnish employees and employers have negative experiences with it. Some employees believe that the disadvantages of remote work are even greater than the advantages. One of the most important problems is the technical challenges.

Even though internet connectivity in Finland is generally good, many Finnish workers do not have the same quality equipment or working conditions at home as in the office.

Another major concern is inadequate cybersecurity. Remote work exposes sensitive company information to greater risks, such as hacking and data breaches. Employers face additional challenges in ensuring that all employees are using secure connections and that their devices are adequately protected.

Many Finns also felt lonely and isolated because they lacked everyday social interactions. This has a negative impact on the mental well-being and motivation of employees.

The future of remote work in Finland

Remote work has undoubtedly become a permanent part of working life around the world, including in Finland. A few years ago, it seemed that the vast office spaces in the big cities would remain empty. However, this is not the direction.

In Finland, remote work will continue to be possible in many sectors, but more and more companies are requiring their employees to be at least partially present in the office. This means, for example, that 50% of working hours can be done remotely and 50% in the office.

Remote work is also clear evidence that, despite their reserve, social interactions during the working day are also important to Finns!