Finnish companies dismiss retirees, unlike in Sweden, says senior labor mediator

Companies specializing in placing older workers are finding success in Sweden but facing losses in Finland, largely due to a prevailing attitude that retirees are unproductive. Esa Parikka, founder of Seniorivoima, a Finnish company that connects individuals over 55 with jobs in cleaning, renovation, and gardening, highlighted this disparity.

"It's an attitude problem. Finnish companies think that retirees are of no use," Parikka stated. He explained that while Seniorivoima serves elderly private clients needing home and garden assistance, the corporate sector's reluctance to hire older workers hinders the business's profitability in Finland. This contrasts sharply with Sweden, where similar intermediary companies thrive by serving both private individuals and businesses.

Parikka attributes the difference to cultural norms. He observes that Swedish companies are more open to hiring older individuals, whereas Finnish businesses tend to prefer younger employees. Other Finnish companies like Silver 50+ and Age In also mediate work for individuals over 50 and 65, respectively, offering services beyond manual labor to include sales and expert roles. However, these firms also struggle financially in Finland.

“

It's an attitude problem. Finnish companies think that retirees are of no use.

In Sweden, companies such as Veteranpoolen, Seniorbolaget, and 55Plus actively encourage businesses and individuals to hire older workers for temporary jobs, and these firms are reportedly profitable. Seppo Niva, CEO of the Finnish company Silver 50+, who has extensive experience in Nordic management, agrees that the cultural difference is significant. He noted that in Sweden, people often work past 70 if their health permits, leading to a higher employment rate for those over 55. In 2020, Sweden's employment rate for 55–64-year-olds was 77.3 percent, compared to Finland's 71.2 percent.

Niva added that while older Finns are valued in existing jobs, they are less sought after as job applicants. "In Finland, the emphasis is on giving young people a foot in the door in the working life," he remarked. He also pointed to Sweden's stronger economic situation as a factor in the success of its senior employment sector. Additionally, differences in household tax deductions may favor the hiring of older workers more effectively in Sweden than in Finland, impacting demand for intermediary companies.

“

In Finland, the emphasis is on giving young people a foot in the door in the working life.