Finland has robust statutory leave entitlements that provide employees with ample time off for rest, relaxation, and family responsibilities. Finnish employment law mandates minimum annual vacation, sick leave, and parental leave, ensuring a supportive work-life balance. Employers may offer more generous leave policies than the statutory minimums to attract and retain talent. Understanding these regulations is crucial for businesses operating in Finland to ensure compliance and maintain positive employee relations.
Annual Vacation Leave
Finnish law guarantees employees the right to annual vacation. The amount of vacation earned depends on the length of the employment relationship.
- Accrual: Employees accrue vacation days each month.
- Entitlement:
- If an employment relationship has lasted less than one year by March 31st, the employee earns 2 vacation days for each full month of employment.
- If the employment relationship has lasted more than one year by March 31st, the employee earns 2.5 vacation days for each full month of employment.
- Vacation Period: Vacation is typically taken between May 2nd and September 30th (the "holiday season").
- Winter Vacation: Any vacation days exceeding 24 can be taken outside the holiday season, usually during the winter months.
- Vacation Pay: Employees are entitled to their regular salary during vacation, plus a "holiday bonus" (lomaraha), which is typically 50% of the vacation pay.
- Unused Vacation: Unused vacation days can, in some cases, be carried over to the following year or compensated financially.
Public Holidays
Finland observes several public holidays each year. Employees are generally entitled to a paid day off on these holidays. If work is required on a public holiday, employees are typically entitled to increased compensation.
| Holiday | Date |
|---|---|
| New Year's Day | January 1 |
| Epiphany | January 6 |
| Good Friday | Varies |
| Easter Sunday | Varies |
| Easter Monday | Varies |
| May Day | May 1 |
| Ascension Day | Varies |
| Whit Sunday | Varies |
| Midsummer Eve | Varies |
| Midsummer Day | Varies |
| All Saints' Day | Varies |
| Independence Day | December 6 |
| Christmas Eve | December 24 |
| Christmas Day | December 25 |
| Boxing Day | December 26 |
Sick Leave
Employees in Finland are entitled to sick leave if they are unable to work due to illness or injury.
- Notification: Employees must notify their employer of their illness as soon as possible.
- Medical Certificate: Employers may require a medical certificate to verify the illness, especially for absences exceeding a few days.
- Pay:
- During the first day of absence, the employee may not be entitled to pay, depending on the collective agreement or company policy.
- From the second day onwards, the employee is generally entitled to full pay for a reasonable period, as defined by the Employment Contracts Act or collective agreement. The exact duration of paid sick leave can vary, but it's typically several weeks or months.
- Long-Term Illness: For long-term illnesses, employees may be eligible for sickness allowance from Kela (the Social Insurance Institution of Finland).
Parental Leave
Finland offers comprehensive parental leave benefits to support families.
Maternity Leave
- Duration: Typically begins 30 working days (approximately 5-6 weeks) before the expected date of delivery.
- Benefit: Kela pays a maternity allowance during this period. The amount depends on the employee's income. A minimum allowance is also available.
Paternity Leave
- Duration: Fathers are entitled to paternity leave, which can be taken during or after the mother's maternity leave. The total duration is typically around 54 weekdays (approximately 9 weeks).
- Benefit: Kela pays a paternity allowance during this period, similar to the maternity allowance.
Parental Leave (After Maternity/Paternity)
- Duration: After maternity and paternity leave, parents are entitled to parental leave, which can be taken by either parent. The total duration is approximately 158 weekdays (around 26 weeks).
- Benefit: Kela pays a parental allowance during this period.
Childcare Leave
- Duration: In addition to maternity, paternity, and parental leave, parents are entitled to childcare leave until the child turns 3 years old.
- Benefit: No allowance is paid during childcare leave, but the employee has the right to return to their previous job or a similar position.
Adoption Leave
Parents who adopt a child are entitled to similar leave benefits as biological parents. The duration and benefits are generally the same as parental leave.
Other Types of Leave
In addition to annual vacation, sick leave, and parental leave, Finnish employment law and collective agreements may provide for other types of leave.
- Bereavement Leave: Employees are typically granted a few days of paid or unpaid leave in the event of the death of a close family member.
- Study Leave: Employees may be entitled to study leave for vocational training or education. The duration and conditions of study leave are often regulated by collective agreements.
- Sabbatical Leave: Some employers may offer sabbatical leave, allowing employees to take an extended period of unpaid leave for personal or professional development. The terms of sabbatical leave are usually agreed upon between the employer and employee.
- Family Leave for Urgent Reasons: An employee is entitled to temporary leave to take care of a family member due to illness or accident.
- Leave to Care for a Sick Child: Parents are entitled to temporary leave to care for a sick child under the age of 10.
