Finland has been ranked as the happiest country in the world for the seventh consecutive year according to the World Happiness Report. Miika Makitalo, the CEO of HappyOrNot, attributes this happiness at work to a high level of trust in institutions and colleagues, as well as a strong focus on work-life balance. HappyOrNot, a Finland-based company that produces smiley-faced feedback buttons, employs a diverse workforce of 56 people in Finland, along with workers in the U.S. and U.K. Makitalo emphasizes three key Finnish phrases that capture the mentality around finding happiness at work.
One phrase that Makitalo highlights is ‘No one is born a smith’, which emphasizes the idea that no one is born a professional and there is always room for learning and growth. This mindset encourages individuals to apply for positions they aspire to and continuously seek opportunities for improvement. Having a growth mindset, or the belief that skills can be improved with practice, is seen as a desirable quality in a star worker. The concept also allows for mistakes to be made as part of the learning process, as long as lessons are learned from them.
Another Finnish phrase discussed by Makitalo is ‘Serious business matters are taken care of; otherwise, we’ll be like Mary’s chickens on the loose’. This phrase, derived from a classic Finnish novel, emphasizes the idea of taking care of urgent tasks while maintaining a relaxed work culture with flat hierarchies. The focus is on ensuring that priorities are set and tasks are completed without the need for micromanagement. Makitalo supports open feedback from employees, encouraging a sense of equality and collaboration within the organization.
‘Forward’ said the granny in the snow’ is another Finnish phrase used to encourage forward progress and action in the face of challenges. The imagery of a granny in the snow signifies a playful attitude towards obstacles, emphasizing the importance of moving forward and not dwelling on difficulties. This mindset is particularly useful in situations where decisions need to be made or progress needs to be achieved. Encouraging a focus on solutions and progress rather than concerns or setbacks can help to maintain momentum in the workplace.
Overall, Finnish work culture emphasizes continuous learning, trust in colleagues, and a focus on work-life balance as key factors contributing to overall happiness. The flat hierarchies and emphasis on open communication also contribute to a sense of equality and empowerment among employees. By embracing concepts such as growth mindset, prioritizing urgent tasks, and focusing on forward progress, Finnish workers are able to navigate challenges and maintain a positive outlook on work and life. These principles can be applied in various workplaces to foster a culture of happiness and productivity among employees.
