Young people's expectations of equality in working life
Many sectors are looking at ways to tackle skills shortages. In Finland in particular, where baby boomers are moving out of the workforce, organisations are looking at ways to recruit and retain young talent, who expect strong value leadership from their organisations. Equality and equity are key values in modern working life and are also key to the well-being, motivation and productivity of young workers.
The results of the European survey of people from sexual and gender minorities (2023), published in May, show that up to 48% of respondents in Finland conceal the fact that they belong to a rainbow minority in their workplace. The corresponding result in the previous survey in 2019 was 27%, indicating that the climate has become much more tense in recent years. Finland also lags behind other Nordic countries in international comparisons, with corresponding percentages of 37% in Sweden and 24% in Denmark (2023).
The three-year Sense of Belonging project, co-funded by the European Social Fund plus (ESF+), aims to develop, in cooperation with young people aged 16-29, models of action to increase equality and social security in work and education. We asked Touko Niinimäki, Helsinki Pride's Education Planner, what do young people expect from employers in terms of equality and what concrete things can employers do to promote equality?
– Rainbow youth expect employers to play an active role in promoting equality. They expect workplaces to be open, to promote diversity and to take concrete action to tackle discrimination. This includes, for example, implementing equality and equal opportunities plans, using safer workplace principles and addressing grievances in a timely manner, for example through harassment liaison officers," summarises Niinimäki.
Tips for diversity-friendly practices
There are many ways in which organisations can promote equality. For example, a diversity clause can be introduced in the recruitment process and applicants can be informed about the diversity policies of the workplace. Promises and expectations made during the recruitment process should be fulfilled during the employment relationship, as promoting equality is not only a legal obligation, but also an investment in the future and competitiveness of the company.
– When employees feel that they are treated fairly and with respect, they are more motivated and committed to their work, which in turn contributes to the success of the company. Diversity-friendly practices such as equal language can help to normalise the different backgrounds and identities of members of the work community, for example through the use of pronouns. An organisation committed to equal treatment should also create channels for employees to report harassment and other organisational grievances, for example in the spirit of the EU Whistleblower Directive and its Whistleblower Protection Act. It is also of paramount importance that business leaders lead by example and commit to these values and objectives, including training in equality and non-discrimination issues and enabling practices that create a safer social space in the community they lead," Niinimäki says.
Read more occupational health articles
"Let life show at work"
Humanity in the workplace feeds well-being and productivity. Workplaces need a new culture that genuinely values diversity and takes into account different life situations," says Eveliina Holmgren, an organisational psychologist at Terveystalo.
Tips from an organisational psychologist: how to create psychological safety in the workplace
Eveliina Holmgren, an organisational psychologist at Terveystalo, explains how to get started in strengthening psychological safety in the workplace.
Get rid of type 2 diabetes with lifestyle changes
When Timo Partanen found out at his health check that he had type 2 diabetes, he realised that he would end up taking medication for the rest of his life if things continued as they were. The diagnosis made him think about his future and motivated him to make a permanent change.
Such misconceptions are still associated with massage
Marcus Frangén of Terveystalo Rela massage therapists explains how the understanding of the physiological effects of massage has changed and what misconceptions are persistently associated with massage.
Touch relaxes and reinforces a sense of security
When life is under a lot of strain or your sense of security is shaky, a gentle touch is a great way to help you recover. Psychologist and trained massage therapist Minna Nevala from Terveystalo Rela massage therapists explains how touch promotes mental well-being.
Our bodies are telling us we're overloaded - here's how to spot your own warning signs
Stressed about returning to work and the hustle and bustle of everyday life? Our bodies often give us clear warning signs of overload. Listening to yourself is an important preventative measure.