ABCs of working in Finland Mirka Rahman 13.1.2014

ABC’S of working in Finland ABC’S of working in Finland

Mirka RahmanMirka Rahman

Your GuestYour Guest Mirka Kristiina Rahman, MBA USAMirka Kristiina Rahman, MBA USA Native of LappeenrantaNative of Lappeenranta Head of Marketing Communications, City Head of Marketing Communications, City of Lappeenrantaof Lappeenranta

International affairs, PR in Russia, fam tripsInternational affairs, PR in Russia, fam trips

Lecturer at LUT & Saimaa University of Applied Sciences: Lecturer at LUT & Saimaa University of Applied Sciences: crosscultural issues, management, communicationscrosscultural issues, management, communications

Experienced in USA & Asia for 16 yearsExperienced in USA & Asia for 16 years Back in Finland past 6 yearsBack in Finland past 6 years

How does the fish describe How does the fish describe water?water?

It cannot.It cannot.

It is the only thing it knows.It is the only thing it knows.

We are all products of our own We are all products of our own aquariums.aquariums.

What does this color mean to What does this color mean to you?you?

Cold or calm?Cold or calm?

Cold, Finland?Cold, Finland?

Trustable, authorian, peaceful, safe, Trustable, authorian, peaceful, safe, masculine colormasculine color

The safest color in the worldThe safest color in the world

When a stranger on thestreet smiles, a Finnassumes that he is:- drunk- insane- or an American

Culture the IcebergCulture the Iceberg

Collective FeaturesCollective Features

Beliefs (what is true)Beliefs (what is true) ValuesValues (what is right) (what is right) Assumptions (what is real)Assumptions (what is real) Norms Norms (what to do)(what to do) Rituals (Etiquette, rites)Rituals (Etiquette, rites) Heroes (Leaders, Personalities, etc.)Heroes (Leaders, Personalities, etc.) Symbols (Clothing, Style, Speech, etc.)Symbols (Clothing, Style, Speech, etc.) Time orientationTime orientation

Culture is not only National Culture is not only National

RegionalRegional GenderGenderEthnicEthnic Sexual preferenceSexual preference

ReligiousReligious National National SportsSportsCorporateCorporate GenerationalGenerational

Physical AbilityPhysical Ability ProfessionalProfessionalPolitical/IdeologicalPolitical/Ideological

We are all multicultural!We are all multicultural!

What do you know of What do you know of Finland?Finland?

What are your assumptions?What are your assumptions?

Define Finland with two sentences, Define Finland with two sentences, how the people and the country how the people and the country

operate.operate.

Cultural Dimensions in Cultural Dimensions in the context of Finnish the context of Finnish

working cultureworking culture

Power distance index (PDI)Power distance index (PDI)

The extent to whichThe extent to which

the less powerfulthe less powerful

members ofmembers of

organizations organizations

and institutions (like theand institutions (like the

family) accept andfamily) accept and

expect that power isexpect that power is

distributed unequally.distributed unequally.

Where is Finland?Where is Finland?

Low Power Distance in FinlandLow Power Distance in Finland

Equality & equal rights for everyoneEquality & equal rights for everyone Accessible superiorsAccessible superiors Low dependence needsLow dependence needs Hierarchy is for convenienceHierarchy is for convenience Informal relationshipInformal relationship Flat hierarchyFlat hierarchy Subordinates expect to be consultedSubordinates expect to be consulted Subordinates have power to do thingsSubordinates have power to do things Superiors knowledge can be questionedSuperiors knowledge can be questioned Casual dress-codeCasual dress-code

Individualism (IND)Individualism (IND)

Individualism versusIndividualism versus

its opposite,its opposite,

collectivism refers tocollectivism refers to

the degree to whichthe degree to which

individuals are integratedindividuals are integrated

into groups and into groups and

feel responsibilityfeel responsibility

for the groupfor the group..


Individualistic FinlandIndividualistic Finland Me, myself and IMe, myself and I Fulfilling my own obligationsFulfilling my own obligations Getting my opinions acrossGetting my opinions across Tasks over relationshipsTasks over relationships Management of individualsManagement of individuals Penalty; loss of self-respect, guiltPenalty; loss of self-respect, guilt Flat organizationFlat organization Casual dress-codeCasual dress-code Prefer to be rewarded for individual effortPrefer to be rewarded for individual effort Comfortable speaking out the issues in mind --Comfortable speaking out the issues in mind -- Will try to shine even on group assignments --Will try to shine even on group assignments -- May openly challenge authority --May openly challenge authority --

Masculinity (MAS)Masculinity (MAS)

Masculinity versus itsMasculinity versus its

opposite, femininity, anotheropposite, femininity, another

fundamental issue refers tofundamental issue refers to

the distribution of rolesthe distribution of roles

between the genders.between the genders. Masculinity’ dominant valuesMasculinity’ dominant values

achievement & successachievement & success Femininity’s dominant valuesFemininity’s dominant values

caring for others and qualitycaring for others and quality

of lifeof life Where is Finland?Where is Finland?

Feminine FinlandFeminine Finland

Quality of life and service to othersQuality of life and service to others Striving for consensusStriving for consensus Work in order to live, continue to work and complain rather Work in order to live, continue to work and complain rather

than become an entrepreneur than become an entrepreneur Small, slow and modest are the bestSmall, slow and modest are the best Overlapping male/female roles --Overlapping male/female roles -- Will not sell him/or herselfWill not sell him/or herself Will expect to be asked questions about achievements,Will expect to be asked questions about achievements,

resultsresults Expects work-life-balance (leaves at 4pm)Expects work-life-balance (leaves at 4pm) Will expect to receive other than only monetary rewardsWill expect to receive other than only monetary rewards

Uncertainty Avoidance Index Uncertainty Avoidance Index (UAI) (UAI)

The extent to which peopleThe extent to which people

feel threatened byfeel threatened by

uncertainty and ambiguityuncertainty and ambiguity

and try to avoid theseand try to avoid these

situations.situations.


Low UAI FinlandLow UAI Finland

Willingness to take risksWillingness to take risks Comfortable when not workingComfortable when not working Conflicts regarded as fair playConflicts regarded as fair play Lower stress, relaxedLower stress, relaxed Fewer rulesFewer rules Avoidance of too many rules and formalitiesAvoidance of too many rules and formalities Expects to be creative in his or her dutiesExpects to be creative in his or her duties Lower centralization of tasksLower centralization of tasks Flexibility in contracts and processesFlexibility in contracts and processes Emphasis on new ideasEmphasis on new ideas Open for new things and changesOpen for new things and changes

ExamplesExamples

0102030405060708090

100

Finland Sweden Germany Japan Russia BalticRepublics

China

PDI IDV MAS UAI CDI

Low Context CultureLow Context Culture

A A language language is a system for encoding andis a system for encoding and

decoding informationdecoding information In a In a High Context CultureHigh Context Culture, many things are left, many things are left

unsaid and relationships value moreunsaid and relationships value more In In Low Context Cultures Low Context Cultures words explicitlywords explicitly

convey the speaker´s message and a lot ofconvey the speaker´s message and a lot of

formal documentation is used.formal documentation is used.

What it means in Business and What it means in Business and HR HR ManagementManagement

Low-Context FinlandLow-Context Finland

Explicit verbal message expectedExplicit verbal message expected No reading between linesNo reading between lines Flat organizationFlat organization Clear pointsClear points Linear organizationLinear organization Pragmatic communication preferredPragmatic communication preferred

To the Point FinnsTo the Point Finns

Finland is a country where considerable weight isFinland is a country where considerable weight is

attached to the spoken word - words are attached to the spoken word - words are

chosen carefully and for the purpose of chosen carefully and for the purpose of

delivering a message.delivering a message.

Finns place great value on words, which is reflected inFinns place great value on words, which is reflected in

the tendency to say little and avoid 'unnecessary' smallthe tendency to say little and avoid 'unnecessary' small

talk.talk.

Finnish ProverbsFinnish Proverbs

““Puhuminen on hopeaa muttaPuhuminen on hopeaa mutta

vaikeneminen kultaa.”vaikeneminen kultaa.”

””Speech is silver but silence is gold.”Speech is silver but silence is gold.”


““Sanasta miestä, sarvesta härkää.”Sanasta miestä, sarvesta härkää.”

"Take a man by his words and a bull by its"Take a man by his words and a bull by its

horns."horns."

Defining FinlandDefining Finland

Finland is highly individualistic feminine culture thatFinland is highly individualistic feminine culture that

appreciates quality of life and believes in equalityappreciates quality of life and believes in equality Not too social or too outgoingNot too social or too outgoing It is very hard for a modest Finn to tell that his productIt is very hard for a modest Finn to tell that his product

is the best in the world even if it isis the best in the world even if it is Finns trust their subordinates and their partnersFinns trust their subordinates and their partners Education is highly appreciatedEducation is highly appreciated Finns are no. 5 in their English skills in the worldFinns are no. 5 in their English skills in the world

Defining KareliansDefining Karelians Own tribe in Finland, further from other Finns than Germans are Own tribe in Finland, further from other Finns than Germans are

from Britishfrom British Survivers, naturally international business people, sharing, caring, Survivers, naturally international business people, sharing, caring,

connecting, outgoing, laughing, dancing, singing connecting, outgoing, laughing, dancing, singing Over 400,000 people were evacuated over Finland’s new border Over 400,000 people were evacuated over Finland’s new border

from the Karelian Isthmus, and Ladoga Karelia in 1943from the Karelian Isthmus, and Ladoga Karelia in 1943 Lappeenranta has grown partly due to the loss VyborgLappeenranta has grown partly due to the loss Vyborg Warm, living peopleWarm, living people When Western Finland touches the least in the world, Karelians When Western Finland touches the least in the world, Karelians

touch the most in Finlandtouch the most in Finland 2,5M Finns considers themselves Karelian heritage, appreciated 2,5M Finns considers themselves Karelian heritage, appreciated

traittrait Finnish Epic Kalevala is collected from Karelia Finnish Epic Kalevala is collected from Karelia

Acculturation ProcessAcculturation Process

Stages:Stages:

1. Euphoria – The Honeymoon1. Euphoria – The Honeymoon

(happiness and cheerful excitement)(happiness and cheerful excitement)

2. Culture shock (unpleasant feelings,2. Culture shock (unpleasant feelings,

disappointment)disappointment)

3. Acculturation - Adjustment (adaptation3. Acculturation - Adjustment (adaptation

to the culture)to the culture)

4. Stable state – Mastery, becoming4. Stable state – Mastery, becoming

bicultural (positive, neutral or negativebicultural (positive, neutral or negative

feelings)feelings)

If you talk to a man in his language he If you talk to a man in his language he understands, that goes to his head. If you understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart.heart.

--Nelson Mandela Nelson Mandela

Learn Finnish Learn Finnish

but but

What is understood without What is understood without Language?Language?

Simple Steps Around the WorldSimple Steps Around the World Smile, the ultimate gesture understood Smile, the ultimate gesture understood

everywhereeverywhere Follow the lead of the hostFollow the lead of the host

Read the facial expressions and body languageRead the facial expressions and body language Shake hand adequately firmly for 3 secondsShake hand adequately firmly for 3 seconds Shake hand of ladies when offeredShake hand of ladies when offered Accept the required distanceAccept the required distance Undress when the host doesUndress when the host does

Remember your Manners Remember your Manners Listen more, speak to the point, never get excitedListen more, speak to the point, never get excited Cross legs from angles, don’t point with your shoesCross legs from angles, don’t point with your shoes Avoid handsigns and waving at peopleAvoid handsigns and waving at people

Improving Cross-Cultural Improving Cross-Cultural CommunicationCommunication

Use simple words that will convey only the mostUse simple words that will convey only the most

specific specific denotative denotative meaningmeaning Listen carefully and, if in doubt, ask for confirmation ofListen carefully and, if in doubt, ask for confirmation of

understandingunderstanding Avoid stereotypingAvoid stereotyping Respect the local communication formalities andRespect the local communication formalities and

styles, and watch for any changes in body languagestyles, and watch for any changes in body language Show respect by learning a few wordsShow respect by learning a few words Use the right symbols, colors, music, recognizable Use the right symbols, colors, music, recognizable

elements when possible elements when possible

Negotiations in Cross-Cultural Negotiations in Cross-Cultural Context Context

You will negotiating a job for yourselfYou will negotiating a job for yourself The key to any negotiation is to understand the process The key to any negotiation is to understand the process

from the point of view of the other partyfrom the point of view of the other party

Four stages of negotiations:Four stages of negotiations: Relationship buildingRelationship building Exchange of task-related informationExchange of task-related information PersuasionPersuasion Making concessions and agreementMaking concessions and agreement

Which should you focus on?Which should you focus on? Make it as easy as possible for your employerMake it as easy as possible for your employer

Make a good First ImpressionMake a good First Impression

We decide if we like someone or We decide if we like someone or something in less than quarter of something in less than quarter of a seconda second

Proper appearance & manners,Proper appearance & manners, positive attitude, open mind and a positive attitude, open mind and a smile always work the magicsmile always work the magic

Halo effect Halo effect allows the positive allows the positive first impression to carry on to your first impression to carry on to your other other traitstraits

Verbal and nonverbal Verbal and nonverbal Effectiveness in FinlandEffectiveness in Finland

Arrive on time every for meetings, appointments: Finns Arrive on time every for meetings, appointments: Finns are on timeare on time

Everyone including Finns love smiling peopleEveryone including Finns love smiling people Offer a firm handshake !Offer a firm handshake ! Maintain eye contactMaintain eye contact Speak clearly to the point to be understoodSpeak clearly to the point to be understood Remain neutral & polite, Finns do not like too aggressive Remain neutral & polite, Finns do not like too aggressive

peoplepeople Use some Finnish Use some Finnish


““Kädenpuristuksesta miehen tuntee.”Kädenpuristuksesta miehen tuntee.”

““You know the man by the way heYou know the man by the way he

shakes your hand.”shakes your hand.”

Determinants of Your Determinants of Your Adjustment to another CultureAdjustment to another Culture

Self-EfficacySelf-Efficacy Stress ManagementStress Management Relational abilitiesRelational abilities Finding mentorsFinding mentors International vs. hostInternational vs. host

country friendshipscountry friendships Willingness to communicateWillingness to communicate Perceptual abilitiesPerceptual abilities

What do you think are your competencies?

Determinants of Adjustment: Determinants of Adjustment: External factorsExternal factors

Culture novelty: the greater the harderCulture novelty: the greater the harder The Job: The Job: Role clarity, discretion, novelty, Role clarity, discretion, novelty, conflictconflict Adjustment to the organizational Adjustment to the organizational cultureculture

study the organization study the organization


““Maassa maan tavalla.”Maassa maan tavalla.”

"Behave in every country according to their "Behave in every country according to their customs.“customs.“

Employment in FinlandEmployment in Finland

Nobody shall be discriminated against on the basis of age, disability, Nobody shall be discriminated against on the basis of age, disability, sexual orientation or originsexual orientation or origin

All work performed in Finland must be done in compliance with All work performed in Finland must be done in compliance with Finnish law and international treaties binding upon the Finnish Finnish law and international treaties binding upon the Finnish government. government.

Employment is also usually subject to a collective agreement Employment is also usually subject to a collective agreement relevant for the sector, defining the rights and responsibilities of relevant for the sector, defining the rights and responsibilities of employment in more detail. The purpose of these provisions is to employment in more detail. The purpose of these provisions is to protect employees.protect employees.

View on GenderView on Gender Men and women have equal rights and relatively high number of Men and women have equal rights and relatively high number of

women holding advanced positions in politics and other areas of women holding advanced positions in politics and other areas of societysociety

Chauvinistic or patronizing attitudes are considered Chauvinistic or patronizing attitudes are considered unacceptableunacceptable Finns have become accustomed to politically correctFinns have become accustomed to politically correct

language in which traditional masculine terms arelanguage in which traditional masculine terms are

replaced with gender-neutral ones (e.g. 'chairperson')replaced with gender-neutral ones (e.g. 'chairperson') In Finnish the third person singular pronoun In Finnish the third person singular pronoun hän hän coverscovers

both gendersboth genders There are also many titles ending with the suffix –miesThere are also many titles ending with the suffix –mies

(man) that are not considered gender-specific(man) that are not considered gender-specific

Right to Work Right to Work Students have a limited right to work, 25 hours a week Students have a limited right to work, 25 hours a week You have full freedom to work at the times when your educational You have full freedom to work at the times when your educational

institution offers no instruction.institution offers no instruction. You are granted 6 months to seek for employment after graduationYou are granted 6 months to seek for employment after graduation Infopankki gives easy steps on how to proceed when starting to Infopankki gives easy steps on how to proceed when starting to

work in Finland at work in Finland at http://www.infopankki.fi/en/moving-to-finland/coming-to-work-in-http://www.infopankki.fi/en/moving-to-finland/coming-to-work-in-finlandfinland

Finnish Immigration service provides information on working in Finnish Immigration service provides information on working in Finland Finland http://www.migri.fi

Employee’s RightsEmployee’s Rights

The rights of employees are supervised in Finland by:The rights of employees are supervised in Finland by:the police (permits, right to reside in Finland, suspicion of the police (permits, right to reside in Finland, suspicion of human trafficking) www.poliisi.fi human trafficking) www.poliisi.fi the occupational safety and health authorities (permits, terms the occupational safety and health authorities (permits, terms and conditions of employment) and conditions of employment) http://www.tyosuojelu.fi/fi/workingfinland/http://www.tyosuojelu.fi/fi/workingfinland/

the tax administration (combating the underground economy) the tax administration (combating the underground economy) http://www.vero.fi/en-US/Individuals/Arriving_in_Finland/Acadehttp://www.vero.fi/en-US/Individuals/Arriving_in_Finland/Academic_studies_in_Finland%2817157%29mic_studies_in_Finland%2817157%29

Residence PermitResidence Permit

If you are a citizen of the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or If you are a citizen of the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland you will not require a residence permit for Finland but Switzerland you will not require a residence permit for Finland but you must register at local Police station after residing three months. you must register at local Police station after residing three months.

Other nationalities can apply for a Finnish residence permit online Other nationalities can apply for a Finnish residence permit online prior to their arrival and then visit Embassy with their original prior to their arrival and then visit Embassy with their original documents and get the fingerprints: documents and get the fingerprints: https://e-asiointi.migri.fi/eServices/FrontPage.aspx?ReturnUrl=https://e-asiointi.migri.fi/eServices/FrontPage.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2feServices&lang=en %2feServices&lang=en

If you intend to work in Finland, you need If you intend to work in Finland, you need a residence permit based a residence permit based on employment,on employment, granted by the state of Finland. granted by the state of Finland. You need to visit You need to visit Lappeenranta police station in person for this. Lappeenranta police station in person for this.

Residence PermitResidence Permit Apply during the time your permit granted for studies (B permit) in Apply during the time your permit granted for studies (B permit) in

Finland is still valid. Finland is still valid. If you have studied and completed a degree or other qualifications If you have studied and completed a degree or other qualifications

in Finland, you may apply for a new residence permit based on the in Finland, you may apply for a new residence permit based on the job you have gained. job you have gained.

Your initial residence permit will be temporary based on your Your initial residence permit will be temporary based on your employment term. employment term.

If you change an employer, you need apply for another residence If you change an employer, you need apply for another residence permit.permit.

After living and working four years in Finland you can apply for After living and working four years in Finland you can apply for permanent residence permit. permanent residence permit.

Employment ContractEmployment Contract The employer and employee agree upon terms of employment in a The employer and employee agree upon terms of employment in a

work contract. work contract.

The contract should be in written form and contain at least the The contract should be in written form and contain at least the following: the name of the employer /enterprise, the name of the following: the name of the employer /enterprise, the name of the employee, the nature of the work, the starting date of the employee, the nature of the work, the starting date of the employment, the duration of the employment, the notice period, the employment, the duration of the employment, the notice period, the trial period (max. 4 months), pay, and working hours. trial period (max. 4 months), pay, and working hours.

Any agreement, which diminishes the rights and interests secured Any agreement, which diminishes the rights and interests secured for employees in the labour legislation and/or the collective for employees in the labour legislation and/or the collective agreement, is void.agreement, is void.

Working HoursWorking Hours Regular working hours are usually at most 8 daily hours and 40 Regular working hours are usually at most 8 daily hours and 40

weekly hours. In a two week period the working hours are not more weekly hours. In a two week period the working hours are not more than 80 hours and in a three week period 120 hours. than 80 hours and in a three week period 120 hours.

Each workplace must have a work schedule from which the Each workplace must have a work schedule from which the workers’ regular working hours, beginning and ending times and the workers’ regular working hours, beginning and ending times and the placement of the rest periods can be read. placement of the rest periods can be read.

Each workplace has their record keeping system for employees’ Each workplace has their record keeping system for employees’ worked hours.worked hours.

Employees should also keep their own record of their worked hours Employees should also keep their own record of their worked hours and received wages. and received wages.

WagesWages There is no universal minimum wage in Finland. The collective There is no universal minimum wage in Finland. The collective

agreement in most employment branches determines the pay and agreement in most employment branches determines the pay and other minimum employment terms. It is also possible to agree on other minimum employment terms. It is also possible to agree on benefits such as food and residence in addition to the wage.benefits such as food and residence in addition to the wage.

The wages in the collective agreements are determined according The wages in the collective agreements are determined according to the employee’s professional skills, experience and the to the employee’s professional skills, experience and the geographical situation of the workplace (I and II cost regions). geographical situation of the workplace (I and II cost regions).

You can ask about your place of employment’s collective unions You can ask about your place of employment’s collective unions and join one. and join one.

Employees’ RightsEmployees’ Rights After working for the same employer for at least a month, After working for the same employer for at least a month,

employees have the right to receive sick-leave pay if they are employees have the right to receive sick-leave pay if they are unable to work during to illness or injury. To be entitled to sick-leave unable to work during to illness or injury. To be entitled to sick-leave pay the working inability must be determined in a way satisfactory to pay the working inability must be determined in a way satisfactory to the employer (for ex. a doctors certificate). the employer (for ex. a doctors certificate).

Familiarise yourself with the collective agreement that applies to Familiarise yourself with the collective agreement that applies to you.you.

The employer must have an agreement of occupational health The employer must have an agreement of occupational health services with an occupational health service provider.services with an occupational health service provider.

A foreign employee working for a Finnish employer in Finland is to A foreign employee working for a Finnish employer in Finland is to be insured by the employer with a mandatory accident insurance. be insured by the employer with a mandatory accident insurance. The insurance covers both accidents at work and on the journey to The insurance covers both accidents at work and on the journey to work.work.

Employees’ RightsEmployees’ Rights If the daily working time is at least 6 hours the employee is given a rest If the daily working time is at least 6 hours the employee is given a rest

period of at least 30 minutes (lunch break).period of at least 30 minutes (lunch break).

Working hours exceeding the regular working hours are overtime hours. Working hours exceeding the regular working hours are overtime hours. Overtime is compensated with additional, higher pay: for the first two daily Overtime is compensated with additional, higher pay: for the first two daily hours of overtime normal pay is increased by 50% and for the following hours of overtime normal pay is increased by 50% and for the following hours by 100 %. Sunday work is paid with doubled wages.hours by 100 %. Sunday work is paid with doubled wages.

An employee has a right to receive pay also for the time he/she is on An employee has a right to receive pay also for the time he/she is on annual holiday. Normally holiday leave accumulates 2 days (when annual holiday. Normally holiday leave accumulates 2 days (when employment has lasted less than 1 year) or 2½ days for each holiday employment has lasted less than 1 year) or 2½ days for each holiday credit month. Normal wages are paid for the time an employee is on credit month. Normal wages are paid for the time an employee is on holiday.holiday.

More details at: http://www.tyosuojelu.fi/fi/workingfinland/More details at: http://www.tyosuojelu.fi/fi/workingfinland/

Bank Account - PankkitiliBank Account - Pankkitili In Finland all wages are paid via a bank transferIn Finland all wages are paid via a bank transfer Open an account in a local bank – Pankki if you have not yet Open an account in a local bank – Pankki if you have not yet

Passport or ID Passport or ID Osuuspankki, Nordea, Danske pankki etc. Osuuspankki, Nordea, Danske pankki etc.

Tax Card - VerokorttiTax Card - Verokortti Apply for a tax card with the tax office of your living areaApply for a tax card with the tax office of your living area http://www.vero.fi/en-UShttp://www.vero.fi/en-US http://www.vero.fi/en-US/Individuals/Arriving_in_Finland/http://www.vero.fi/en-US/Individuals/Arriving_in_Finland/

Academic_studies_in_Finland%2817157%29Academic_studies_in_Finland%2817157%29 To use the internet service you need a bank account identity confirmationTo use the internet service you need a bank account identity confirmation Kaakkois-Suomen verotoimistoKaakkois-Suomen verotoimisto

Lappeenrannan toimipisteLappeenrannan toimipistePostal address: PL 21, 53101 LappeenrantaPostal address: PL 21, 53101 LappeenrantaVisiting address: Villimiehenkatu 2, LappeenrantaVisiting address: Villimiehenkatu 2, LappeenrantaTelephone: 020 612 000Telephone: 020 612 000Fax: 020 613 6058Fax: 020 613 6058

Open Monday-Friday at 9–16.15Open Monday-Friday at 9–16.15 From 1.2.2014 Open Monday – Friday From 1.2.2014 Open Monday – Friday at 9–15at 9–15 Receipt of documentation Monday-Friday at 8–16.15Receipt of documentation Monday-Friday at 8–16.15

Tax CardTax Card Once you have a tax card, you take it to you employerOnce you have a tax card, you take it to you employer Your employer deducts the taxes and social security payments from Your employer deducts the taxes and social security payments from

your incomeyour income You will file a tax return form mailed to you in the beginning of the You will file a tax return form mailed to you in the beginning of the

year by its indicated deadline.year by its indicated deadline.

KELA-cardKELA-card Apply for a Finnish KELA social security cardApply for a Finnish KELA social security card Kansaneläkelaitos KELA http://www.kela.fi/web/enKansaneläkelaitos KELA http://www.kela.fi/web/en Holder of the card is entitled to use Finnish social security Holder of the card is entitled to use Finnish social security Local office: Toikankatu 4, 53100 LAPPEENRANTA (near central Local office: Toikankatu 4, 53100 LAPPEENRANTA (near central

marketplace, Kauppatori) marketplace, Kauppatori) Opening hours: Monday – Friday: 9.00-16.00Opening hours: Monday – Friday: 9.00-16.00 Or make an appointment: Or make an appointment: www.kela.fi/appointments

National Certificates of National Certificates of Language Proficiency (YKI)Language Proficiency (YKI)

Finnish may be more or less required in your place of work. Finnish may be more or less required in your place of work. National Certificates of Language Proficiency are language proficiency National Certificates of Language Proficiency are language proficiency tests intended for adults. They assess language skills in practical tests intended for adults. They assess language skills in practical situations where adults may generally need to speak, listen, write or read situations where adults may generally need to speak, listen, write or read in a foreign language – at home or abroad.in a foreign language – at home or abroad.You can use the certificateYou can use the certificate

• to demonstrate language proficiency in a job applicationto demonstrate language proficiency in a job application• to demonstrate language proficiency required for work to demonstrate language proficiency required for work

assignmentsassignments• as part of your studiesas part of your studies• To demonstrate language proficiency required for acquisition of To demonstrate language proficiency required for acquisition of

Finnish citizenshipFinnish citizenshiphttp://www.oph.fi/english/services/ykihttp://www.oph.fi/english/services/yki

Working with FinnsWorking with Finns Punctuality is very important to the Finns. Never be late for meetings, as Punctuality is very important to the Finns. Never be late for meetings, as

this is considered very impolite in this is considered very impolite in Finland. Be on time!Finland. Be on time!

Diligence is expected. Follow your workhours strictly, ensure that you Diligence is expected. Follow your workhours strictly, ensure that you have some more hours than required.have some more hours than required.

Hard-working, determined people are esteemed, have some “Sisu”.Hard-working, determined people are esteemed, have some “Sisu”.

Finns keep their promises and expect others to do theFinns keep their promises and expect others to do the

same. Gain and keep trust!same. Gain and keep trust!

Finnish society is very organized. Keep your work organized, follow your Finnish society is very organized. Keep your work organized, follow your company’s requirements for timekeeping, recordkeeping, CRM-system, company’s requirements for timekeeping, recordkeeping, CRM-system, get the signatures when required. get the signatures when required.

Working with FinnsWorking with Finns Finnish people may at first come across as rude or Finnish people may at first come across as rude or quiet. quiet. They say things They say things

straightforward.straightforward.

Finns are very honest. Dishonesty is the worst sin of all Finns are very honest. Dishonesty is the worst sin of all to the Finns. to the Finns. Remember to look Finns in the eye, looking down or toRemember to look Finns in the eye, looking down or to

the side is a sign of dishonesty in Finland.the side is a sign of dishonesty in Finland.

Conversation is informal and people usually refer to eachConversation is informal and people usually refer to each

other by their first names.other by their first names.

Finns mind their own business and respect otherFinns mind their own business and respect other

people’s privacy.people’s privacy.

Finns prefer not to show their feelings in public.Finns prefer not to show their feelings in public.

Working with FinnsWorking with Finns Finnish people want to make the most of their time;Finnish people want to make the most of their time;

planning ahead and sticking to agreed schedules.planning ahead and sticking to agreed schedules.

If you do not understand something, be brave and askIf you do not understand something, be brave and ask

about it! You will have fewer misunderstandings if youabout it! You will have fewer misunderstandings if you

talk about things openly and honestly. Finns like details.talk about things openly and honestly. Finns like details.

Finns are careful and gather background information inFinns are careful and gather background information in

advance, but they make decisions quickly.advance, but they make decisions quickly.

Power and responsibility are flexibly distributed. Power and responsibility are flexibly distributed. Men and women are Men and women are equal.equal.

Working with FinnsWorking with FinnsConflicts should be solved by negotiation, seeking aConflicts should be solved by negotiation, seeking a

result that is the best possible for all parties.result that is the best possible for all parties.Work in cooperation, help and you will be helped.Work in cooperation, help and you will be helped.Weekly meetings are typical, Finns like to move on with issues.Weekly meetings are typical, Finns like to move on with issues.Finns do not thank much.Finns do not thank much.Go visit, communicate and ask for assistance if needed.Go visit, communicate and ask for assistance if needed.If no question is asked, the audience has probably If no question is asked, the audience has probably understood.understood.Shake hands, don’t hug or kiss.Shake hands, don’t hug or kiss.

Traffic LawsTraffic Laws Pedestrians do not cross the street if the light is notPedestrians do not cross the street if the light is not

green even if there are no cars in sightgreen even if there are no cars in sight A Finnish driving license can often be substituted for anA Finnish driving license can often be substituted for an

existing foreign license:existing foreign license: http://www.poliisi.fi/poliisi/home.nsf/pages/http://www.poliisi.fi/poliisi/home.nsf/pages/

19279F910A6F1997C2256C37002 D9F4B19279F910A6F1997C2256C37002 D9F4B Everyone travelling in a car must wear a seatbeltEveryone travelling in a car must wear a seatbelt There is a fine of 50 € for speaking to the mobile phoneThere is a fine of 50 € for speaking to the mobile phone

while drivingwhile driving You must use winter tiers from December till the end ofYou must use winter tiers from December till the end of

February, typically used October – AprilFebruary, typically used October – April

SaunaSauna Finns go to the sauna with their family, their friends andFinns go to the sauna with their family, their friends and

even business partners and collegues.even business partners and collegues. Important political and business negotiations areImportant political and business negotiations are

conducted in sauna.conducted in sauna. Going to a sauna in Finland, even without clothes, hasGoing to a sauna in Finland, even without clothes, has

nothing to do with sex – a sauna is a sacred place for thenothing to do with sex – a sauna is a sacred place for the

Finns.Finns. Typical sauna days are Wednesday & Saturday.Typical sauna days are Wednesday & Saturday. Naked, towel allowed.Naked, towel allowed. Below 90 C is cool.Below 90 C is cool. You might be tested how long you last. You might be tested how long you last.

Finnish HolidaysFinnish Holidays Vappu: Labour Day, May 1, white graduation caps,Vappu: Labour Day, May 1, white graduation caps,

herring brunch/lunchherring brunch/lunch Midsummer Fest, third weekend of June, bonfiresMidsummer Fest, third weekend of June, bonfires Independence Day, December 6, Finns like to watch theIndependence Day, December 6, Finns like to watch the

President’s Ball on tvPresident’s Ball on tv ””Pikkujoulut”: Little Christmas parties, extreme officePikkujoulut”: Little Christmas parties, extreme office

partiesparties Christmas Eve, December 24, ham & casseroles, quietChristmas Eve, December 24, ham & casseroles, quiet

family celebrationfamily celebration New Year, lively celebration with friends, tin horse shoes, sausages New Year, lively celebration with friends, tin horse shoes, sausages

& potato salad, champagne & fireworks& potato salad, champagne & fireworks

What did you learn today?What did you learn today?

Look back at the intial note you wrote, did Look back at the intial note you wrote, did you already understand the Finns?you already understand the Finns?

What is the most important thing you What is the most important thing you unlearned or learned today?unlearned or learned today?

Tips for Living in FinlandTips for Living in Finland

Finns warm slowly, nice surprises when you get to knowFinns warm slowly, nice surprises when you get to know

them, friends for life.them, friends for life.

When asked how you are, tell how you are, don’t say just fine.When asked how you are, tell how you are, don’t say just fine.

SMS them: Finns like to do sms rather than talk.SMS them: Finns like to do sms rather than talk.

Drink coffee: Finnish people drink coffee all the time everywhere, Drink coffee: Finnish people drink coffee all the time everywhere, meetings usually begin with ameetings usually begin with a cup of coffee. cup of coffee.

Few Good WordsFew Good Words Terve! – Hello!Terve! – Hello! Hei! – Hi!Hei! – Hi! Good Morning! Good Morning! – Hyvää – Hyvää huomenta! huomenta! Good Afternoon! Good Afternoon! – Hyvää päivää!– Hyvää päivää! This is clear – selväThis is clear – selvä So – noniin So – noniin Thank you - KiitosThank you - Kiitos Good bye! – Good bye! – Näkemiin! Hei hei! Näkemiin! Hei hei! ToiletToilet – vessa – vessa Where? – Where? – Missä?Missä? Cheers – Kippis! Hölökönkölökyn!Cheers – Kippis! Hölökönkölökyn!

Pohjanmaan kautta!Pohjanmaan kautta!

Who are you in FinnishWho are you in Finnish

Who am I in Finnish?Who am I in Finnish? How would your present yourself in Finnish?How would your present yourself in Finnish? Think of a sentence how to positively and professionally Think of a sentence how to positively and professionally

introduce yourself to a potential employer. introduce yourself to a potential employer. They will remember what you say!They will remember what you say!

Ensure Positive AttitudeEnsure Positive Attitude

Focus on solutions; not the problemsFocus on solutions; not the problems Believe in yourself and you abilitiesBelieve in yourself and you abilities Display self-esteem & confidenceDisplay self-esteem & confidence Choose to be happy and have more energyChoose to be happy and have more energy Achieve your goals and succeedAchieve your goals and succeed Inspire and motivate yourself and othersInspire and motivate yourself and others

How do I succeed in the WorldHow do I succeed in the World

I am genuinely interested in otherI am genuinely interested in other

people and their needs andpeople and their needs and

communicate it clearlycommunicate it clearly I listen and understand theI listen and understand the

spoken and unspoken wordsspoken and unspoken words I remain in touch to carry out theI remain in touch to carry out the

discussed or promised activitiesdiscussed or promised activities

Helpful WebsitesHelpful Websites

http://www.suomi.fi/suomifi/english/index.htmlhttp://www.suomi.fi/suomifi/english/index.html http://www.infopankki.fi/en-GB/important_authoritieshttp://www.infopankki.fi/en-GB/important_authorities http://www.te-services.fi/te/en/pdf/workinginfinland.pdfhttp://www.te-services.fi/te/en/pdf/workinginfinland.pdf www.visitfinland.comwww.visitfinland.com http://www.vero.fi/en-US http://www.vero.fi/en-US http://www.intofinland.fi/enhttp://www.intofinland.fi/en http://finland.fi/Public/default.aspx?contentid=160036http://finland.fi/Public/default.aspx?contentid=160036 &nodeid=41797&culture=en-US&nodeid=41797&culture=en-US

Good Luck in Finland!Good Luck in Finland!

Thank You for Your Attention!Thank You for Your Attention! Keep in touch:Keep in touch:

@MirkaKristiina@MirkaKristiina FB: Mirka Kristiina RahmanFB: Mirka Kristiina Rahman [email protected] [email protected]