These insights come from the final report of E2 Research’s multi-year project, Building Finland’s Future (Tulevaisuuden Suomen tekijät), which examines Finns’ experiences with the evolving work-life. The study draws on interviews with employees, trade union representatives, and supervisors at work, as well as a nationally representative survey conducted in June 2024. The report also provides recommendations for improving workplace practices.

Increasing Workload and Stress in the Workplace

A significant majority of Finns (59%) feel that working life has worsened over the past ten years, and nearly as many (55%) expect this decline to continue. Over 70% report increased workloads, tighter deadlines, and greater demands for efficiency, leading to higher stress levels. Additionally, 71% believe that working life is increasingly split between desirable and undesirable jobs.

On a positive note, relatively few are worried about the content of their work itself - only 17% are concerned about it being meaningless or monotonous. Roughly half feel that autonomy at work has increased. Interviewees highlighted positive changes such as expanded opportunities for remote work, strong occupational safety standards, greater workplace equality, flatter organizational hierarchies, and more flexible work-time scheduling.

"The growing workload and stress reported by Finns must be taken seriously. We need to identify the root causes of harmful stress levels. If stress arises from unclear job roles or poor task prioritization, leadership plays a crucial role in resolving these issues," says Research Manager Ville Pitkänen.

New Software: Streamlining or Complicating Work?

Most respondents (59%) do not see major trends—such as climate change, digitalization, artificial intelligence, or workplace internationalization—affecting their day-to-day work. For instance, only 26% feel that climate initiatives have any tangible impact on their workplace routines. Managers and white-collar professionals are more likely to report experiencing these changes than blue-collar workers.

Finns are divided on digitalization’s impact. While 57% say it has made their work processes smoother, nearly as many (56%) feel that new IT systems and software have added complexity to their work.

Positive Views on Multicultural Workplaces

A majority of Finns (63%) view the growing presence of employees from diverse cultural backgrounds in the workplace positively. However, 26% hold a contrary view. At the same time, around half believe that greater cultural diversity may lead to workplace conflicts.

"As workplaces become more multicultural and multilingual, occasional conflicts may arise due to language barriers, misunderstandings, or prejudices. Supervisors and union representatives play a key role in ensuring these issues are addressed effectively to prevent unnecessary tensions," explains Senior Researcher Rolle Alho.

Leadership Skills Crucial as Workplaces Evolve

In their ideal workplace, Finns value a positive work atmosphere (73%), good leadership (62%), competitive salary (61%), and smooth relationships between supervisors and employees (55%). However, nearly half are concerned about poor leadership, and only slightly more than a third consider the leadership in work-life being of high quality. Many feel that leadership skills need improvement.

In today’s fast-paced and increasingly diverse working environment, leadership faces growing challenges. Supervisors and union representatives report that internationalization, multilingual teams, technological advancements, and the rise of remote work all require enhanced leadership competencies. Managing an aging workforce also demands new approaches.

"With Finland’s population aging, the generational differences in workplaces are becoming more pronounced. Leadership must adapt to these dynamics, as younger and older employees often have different expectations. For example, younger workers particularly value regular feedback from their supervisors," says Researcher Aino Heikkilä.

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About the Study

The report, Työelämän muutosten kohtaaminen työpaikoilla, is the concluding publication in the Building Finland’s Future (Tulevaisuuden Suomen tekijät) Project. It is based on a citizen survey conducted in summer 2024 (N=1,017) and 79 in-depth interviews with supervisors, union representatives, and employees, including those with immigrant backgrounds. The study explores experiences and perceptions of working life and its direction.

The project was funded by Trade Union Pro, the Finnish Association of Private Care Providers Hali, the Trade Union for the Public and Welfare Sectors JHL, the Ministry of Justice, Service Union United PAM, the Confederation of Finnish Construction Industries RT, STTK, the Central Organisation of Finnish Trade Unions SAK, Industrial Employees TP, and the Finnish Pension Alliance TELA. The project’s steering group is chaired by Juha Antila (SAK), with Ville Wartiovaara (RT) serving as vice-chair.

The report’s launch will be held on Thursday, December 12, 2024, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Musiikkitalo in Helsinki. The event can be attended in person or via live stream. Register for the event here: https://bit.ly/tst-julkistus2024. The event will be held in Finnish.

About E2 Research

E2 Research is an independent, multidisciplinary research institute that provides evidence-based insights to organizations, businesses, foundations, municipalities, ministries, policymakers, and the media.

Web pages:
www.tulevaisuudensuomentekijat.com @tyoelamantekija

Platform X:
www.e2.fi @e2_tutkimus

More information about the project:

Ville Pitkänen
Doctor in Political Sciences
Research Manager, E2 Research
ville.pitkanen@e2.fi
040 7770 869

Rolle Alho
Doctor in Social Sciences
E2 Research Senior Researcher, E2 Research
rolle.alho@e2.fi
050 5344 485

More information about the research results:

Aino Heikkilä
Master of Social Sciences
Doctoral Researcher, E2 Research
aino.heikkila@e2.fi
044 3028 727