Lessons from Finland on handling workplace burnout crisis

Five years after COVID-19 lockdowns, workplace culture remains a contentious issue. While some companies push for full-time office work, others explore more flexible models. Major corporations like JPMorgan, Amazon, and Dell have enforced stricter in-office policies, while Meta and McDonald’s have scaled back diversity initiatives. These shifts reflect an ongoing debate about productivity, engagement, and employee well-being.

Statistics paint a troubling picture of workplace dissatisfaction. Human resource studies indicate that 44% of employees feel burned out, and 51% report feeling "used up" by the end of the workday. Additionally, US employee engagement has dropped to a 10-year low, raising concerns about productivity and mental health.

In stark contrast, Finland—named the world’s happiest country for seven consecutive years—reports significantly lower burnout rates. A 2025 study by the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health found that only 10% of Finnish professionals experience job burnout, a striking disparity compared to the US This suggests that Finland’s unique approach to workplace culture plays a key role in fostering job satisfaction.

An article written by a Finnish entrepreneur for the Newsweek publication suggests that their outlook on life plays a key role in shaping Finland's workplace culture.

Finnish workplace model

Finland’s workplace culture is shaped by several distinct characteristics:

Flat Organizational Structures – Finnish companies emphasize teamwork over rigid hierarchies, fostering innovation and collaboration. Employees are trusted to contribute without excessive oversight.

Low Emphasis on Self-Promotion – Finnish professionals let their work speak for itself. Individual success is secondary to collective achievements, minimizing workplace competition and toxicity.

Work-Life Balance and Flexibility – Finland was ahead of the remote work trend, passing its Flexible Working Act in 1996 and expanding it in 2020 to allow full-time employees to decide when and where they work for at least half of their working hours.

Generous Leave Policies – Employees enjoy five weeks of paid vacation annually and 160 days of paid parental leave, fostering a healthier work-life balance.

Efficiency and productivity

Finland’s approach doesn’t just create happier employees—it enhances workplace efficiency. A 2023 European Union study found that Finnish employees have higher job satisfaction and lower absenteeism than their European counterparts. A 2024 Finnish Institute of Occupational Health review further revealed that employees with greater autonomy report less stress, more motivation, and higher productivity.

By trusting employees and reducing micromanagement, Finnish companies cultivate accountability and collaboration, leading to sustainable performance.

What CEOs can learn from Finland

As many Western companies impose stricter office mandates, Finland provides a compelling alternative where trust and autonomy drive both happiness and performance. Instead of measuring success by hours logged, businesses can focus on actual impact.

Renowned management consultant Peter Drucker once said, “Culture eats strategy for breakfast.” In today’s workplace, the author believes that investing in a positive culture isn’t just ethical—it’s a competitive advantage. Organizations that prioritize employee well-being and flexibility may find themselves not only retaining top talent but also outperforming those clinging to outdated workplace models.

By Nazrin Sadigova