What America Can Learn From Finland's Workplace Culture

by Miika Mäkitalo, CEO of HappyOrNot

Published: March 20, 2025

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, discussions surrounding workplace culture have intensified, revealing a divide between companies and employees in the United States. Recent corporate decisions highlight a return to traditional in-office requirements. Notably, JPMorgan and Amazon have mandated that office staff work five days a week, while Dell implemented strict in-office policies for its global sales team. Concurrently, companies like Meta and McDonald's have made moves away from diversity initiatives.

According to the Society for Human Resource Management, burnout remains a pressing issue, with 44% of U.S. employees reporting feelings of exhaustion at work. Gallup's recent research indicates that employee engagement in the U.S. has hit a decade-long low. This troubling landscape stands in contrast to the workplace culture observed in Finland, a country that has consistently ranked as the happiest in the world according to the U.N. World Happiness Report.

Comparative Employee Satisfaction

Data collected by HappyOrNot reveals a stark difference in employee satisfaction between Europe and the United States. While 85% of employees in Europe express satisfaction with their jobs, only 69% of U.S. workers share the same sentiment. Furthermore, a 2025 study from the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health indicates that only 10% of Finnish workers experience job burnout. This sense of fulfillment in Finland likely contributes to the country's continuous recognition as the world’s happiest nation.

Finns may approach happiness with a sense of modesty, demonstrated by the cultural saying, "kell onni on, se onnen kätkeköön," which translates to "whoever has found happiness, that happiness they should hide." This perspective is reflected in Finnish workplace culture, where flat organizational structures promote innovation and collaboration, rather than hierarchical competition.

Trust and Work-Life Balance

Finnish work culture emphasizes trust and work-life balance. Since implementing its Flexible Working Act in 1996, Finland has led the way in allowing employees voluntary choices regarding their work hours and locations. Full-time workers are entitled to five weeks of paid vacation and 160 days of paid parental leave.

These policies not only lead to happier workplaces but also aspire to greater efficiency. A 2023 study by the European Union found that Finnish employees report lower absenteeism and higher job satisfaction compared to their peers in other European nations. Additionally, autonomy in the workplace correlates with lower stress levels, greater motivation, and enhanced productivity.

Lessons for American CEOs

Given the contrasting developments in workplace culture, what can U.S. companies learn from Finland? Success in business does not come from rigid office mandates; rather, it stems from trust and autonomy. As organizations in the U.S. continue to impose outdated metrics of success, Finnish companies demonstrate that focusing on employee wellbeing can yield significant returns.

By prioritizing outputs and impact instead of hours worked, businesses can cultivate environments where employees are engaged and productive rather than overwhelmed and disengaged. Peter Drucker once said, "Culture eats strategy for breakfast." Creating a happy workforce is not just ethically sound—it is a strategic advantage.

Conclusion

In conclusion, as the U.S. navigates the evolving landscape of workplace culture, looking to Finland may offer valuable insights. With a model built on trust, work-life balance, and collective success, Finnish workplace culture provides a compelling roadmap for American companies seeking to foster happier and more engaged employees.

Miika Mäkitalo is the CEO of HappyOrNot, a company that specializes in customer and employee feedback through its recognizable smiley-button terminals used in various public spaces. He holds a PhD in Industrial Engineering and Management and has a wealth of experience in upper management.