Working life, quality and change
The development of employment and the productivity of work has taken a positive turn after a long recession. The employment rate is already close to the level preceding the most recent economic crisis. The share of low-income workers has been decreasing in recent years and is currently at lower level than ever in the 1990s and 2000s. By contrast, the share of underemployed has been clearly increasing. There are no major changes in the numbers of employees who find their work emotionally or physically draining.
While employees’ possibilities for influencing their work have remained somewhat unchanged, an increasing number of employees feel able to learn new things in their work. The gender pay gap has only shrunk by four percentage points in the previous 20 years. Large and medium-sized enterprises take global responsibility into account in their activities better than previously.
Indicators selected by a network of experts
- The global responsibility of the working life
- Employment rate (Statistics Finland, Labour Force Survey)
- Good working life
- Women's average earnings compared to men's
Linkage to the objectives of Society’s Commitment to Sustainable Development
Equal prospects for well-being
Sustainable employment
A carbon-neutral society
A resource-wise economy
Working life, quality and change 2021
The quality of working life remained stable despite the coronavirus pandemic; employment rate dropped and working hours decreased

Working life, quality and change 2020
The state of working life was relatively good before the coronavirus crisis, the future is now uncertain

Working life, quality and change 2019
Finland’s employment rate continues to grow, but the labour productivity is declining – experiences of overloading from work remain unchanged

Working life, quality and change 2017
Employment, productivity and corporate responsibility are improving, but mental and physical work load remain at the same level
