Employment in Finland

Employment, called työsuhde in Finnish, exists when a person performs work for an employer under the employer’s direction in return for pay. This differs from independent business activity. An employment contract is called työsopimus. It can sometimes be made orally, but a written contract provides much clearer evidence of the agreed conditions. Employment may be open-ended or fixed-term. Open-ended employment continues until it is lawfully ended, while fixed-term employment ends according to an agreed date or event. Work may be full-time, part-time, temporary, seasonal, or arranged through an agency. The label alone does not remove basic employment protections. The contract commonly covers the parties, duties, starting date, workplace, pay, working time, trial period, notice conditions, and applicable collective agreement. Changes should also be confirmed in writing. A probationary period, called koeaika, may be agreed at the beginning. It allows both sides to assess the employment, but it does not permit discriminatory or otherwise improper decisions. Ending employment follows rules that differ according to the contract and the reason for ending it. Resignation, dismissal, mutual agreement, and the end of a fixed term are distinct situations. Employees should receive payslips and keep records of contracts, hours, leave, and important messages. These documents help resolve misunderstandings about the employment relationship.