Authors

• Statistics Finland. Interview and Survey Services
• Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment

Keywords

career development, employees, employment, employment opportunities, expectation, flexible working time, hours of work, job satisfaction, occupational life, telework, wages, working conditions, workloads, workplace bullying

Abstract

The Finnish Working Life Barometers studies the quality of Finnish working life and changes in working conditions from the perspective of wage earners. The content of the Finnish Working Life Barometers has remained largely unchanged over the years.

The 2024 survey began by asking respondents about the number of employees at their workplace and presented statements about the working atmosphere, openness, and fairness at the workplace. This was followed by statements related to maintaining work ability, asking, for example, whether the workplace promotes skills development and a safe working environment and whether the employer supports employees' physical activity. The survey also examined employees' opportunities for training and learning new skills.

Next, questions were asked about flexible working hours, remote work, and wages. In addition, autonomy at work was surveyed by asking about employee's ability to influence on, for example, work tasks, work distribution, work pace, place of work, or workplace development. After that, they asked about the use of digital tools, such as social media, various instant messaging apps, and AI-based tools.

The survey also examined whether respondents experienced unequal treatment, discrimination, or emotional abuse at work due to factors such as ethnic background, gender, or age. Respondents were also asked about experiences of physical violence and sexual harassment. Feelings related to work ability and work, such as stress, exhaustion, enthusiasm, meaningfulness, and community spirit, were also surveyed. Finally, questions were asked about possible changes in the respondents' work and whether they belonged to a trade union or unemployment fund.

Background variables included, among others, gender, age, status in employment, employer type, industry of employment, type of contract and weekly working hours.