Here, there’s time for everything – family, friends and career

What are the three main things that are valued in Finland when talking about work-life balance, or the right equilibrium between work and personal life, which you can easily find at least in Savo?

1. Here, balancing work and life is easier than in many other countries, and an eight-hour working day is the norm. Employees also have plenty of holidays and time off on the weekends.

2. Family welfare and equality are core values here. Every child is entitled to municipal day care, and there are also good opportunities for parental leave. This supports the reconciliation of work and family life.

3. Perhaps most importantly, the proximity to nature. The North Savo region, and Finland as a whole, offers a chance to enjoy magnificent nature and a high quality of life. Quality of life is supported by strong social security systems, free education and affordable health care, among other things, which contribute to making Finland the happiest country in the world.

We foster work-life balance

People often come to Finland and North Savo for work, but the reason they stay is because of all the other things that enrich their lives.

Looking at the facts, one of the reasons why this is the happiest nation in the world is the country’s strong social security systems, including free education and affordable healthcare for all. Two other reasons are the accountability of the Finnish government and a functioning infrastructure. And the fourth reason is the incredibly beautiful – and easily accessible – nature of this Nordic country.

From snow-capped fells to clean lakes and endless forests, Finland’s diverse landscape offers plenty of opportunities for both relaxation and outdoor activities. You won’t quite find fells in North Savo, but Tahko, for example, is a great place for downhill winter sports and leisure activities. Even in urban areas, the green spaces are never far away. Plus, our air quality is among the cleanest in the world, making our country one of the healthiest places to live and work.

In North Savo, you are literally in the middle of nature. You can get to the forest and the nature trails, or otherwise to nature and the waterways, quickly from anywhere. Nature has a calming, balancing effect, helping you recharge amidst the rush of daily life. And everyone knows that happy, well-rested employees are an organisation’s most valuable resource.

Working hours can vary depending on the sector and industry, but an eight-hour working day is the norm – typically from Monday to Friday, with the weekends and evenings off, leaving plenty of time for hobbies, socialising and relaxation. Employees are also entitled to paid holidays and time off.

As a bit of trivia, Finnish women are among the highest educated in the world, and Finland is the only country in the developed world where fathers spend more time with school-age children than mothers.

Family well-being and equality for all are two ideals that Finnish society unanimously supports, so no wonder that they are also deeply rooted in workplace practices and culture – or that opportunities for family leave are generous.

Affordable and reliable childcare ensures a better work-life balance for parents and allows all adults to participate fully in the labour force. In Finland, every child has the legal right to municipal day care. Fees depends on the family’s income level. Private day care is also available and relatively inexpensive.

And if nature is not your thing, no worries! From historic wooden houses to sauna culture, Finland offers something for everyone. And since we value a healthy work-life balance, you will also have plenty of time to explore – and enjoy – all this.