Understanding Working Hours and Employment Contracts in Finland

Finnish Working Time and Overtime Regulations

Finland's employment framework is governed by over 40 distinct laws, such as the Employment Contracts Act, Working Hours Act, and Annual Holidays Act. These regulations ensure fair treatment in areas like contracts, employee rights, and work schedules.

Standard Working Hours

Standard working hours in Finland are typically up to 8 hours per day and 40 hours per week, with employees entitled to two weekly rest days. Industries like hospitality or healthcare may adopt flexible schedules, such as 80 hours over two weeks, subject to collective agreements.

Overtime Compensation

Overtime requires mutual consent and must be compensated at least 50% above the regular wage. For example, a retail employee working extra hours during holidays would receive this premium. SailGlobal assists businesses in managing these requirements efficiently.

Employment Contract Essentials

Finnish law mandates written or electronic contracts detailing key terms. Essential elements include:

Names of employer and employee
Start date and contract duration
Probationary period (up to six months)
Job location and duties
Salary, bonuses, and payment schedule
Working hours and annual leave
Notice periods and insurance details

For instance, a tech startup hiring a developer must outline these points to comply with local norms. SailGlobal offers templates to streamline this process.

Role of Collective Agreements

Collective agreements (TES) set industry-specific terms on wages and hours. Sectors like manufacturing or public services follow agreements like KVTES, which employers must reference in contracts. Employees can access these via unions or platforms like Finlex.

Probation Period Guidelines

Probation allows either party to terminate employment without notice, but employers must justify dismissals. It cannot exceed six months or half the employment duration for short-term roles. SailGlobal helps draft clear probation clauses to avoid disputes.

Finnish Working Hours and Employment Contracts: A Guide for International Employers