Nearly one in four Finnish businesses hire immigrants, which boosts workplace diversity and strengthens customer service, recent surveys show. This trend brings clear benefits, especially for rural businesses and manufacturing companies.
Businesses credit immigrants for boosting workplace inclusion, customer service
Seventeen percent of Finnish businesses hire immigrants, and the outcomes are highly positive. A Yrittäjägallup survey found that hiring immigrants improves workplace tolerance and strengthens customer service.
The survey, conducted in November 2024, included responses from 1,054 small and medium-sized business representatives, with a margin of error of 2.9 percentage points.
“Employing immigrants has helped businesses grow,” said Sonja Antosalo from the Federation of Finnish Enterprises.
She explained that immigrant employees promote inclusivity and create a more engaging workplace.
These benefits span across regions and industries. Businesses in Eastern and Northern Finland report the highest satisfaction, with 75% of respondents highlighting positive impacts.
Key industries hiring immigrants include manufacturing (44%), trade (18%), construction (17%), and services (16%).
Finnish manufacturing sector thrives with immigrant-driven innovation
Meanwhile, the Research Institute of the Finnish Economy (Etla) studied how immigrants affect Finland’s manufacturing sector.
Using data from 2000 to 2018, the study found that immigrant workers greatly improve process and product innovation. Their work increases patent applications and lowers companies’ need for external R&D spending.
“Immigrant employees contribute significantly to corporate innovation efforts,” said Dr. Terhi Maczulskij, Etla’s Research Director.
She noted that immigration drives innovation and creates jobs for Finnish workers, countering claims that it harms native employment.
Businesses face challenges integrating immigrants into workplace
Hiring immigrants brings benefits but also challenges. Businesses often face language barriers, difficulties with workplace rules, and cultural integration.
Nearly half of construction companies reported these issues, while the industrial sector experienced fewer problems.
Ethnic discrimination and high turnover among skilled foreign workers add to the difficulties. Up to half of foreign professionals leave Finland within a few years, often due to cultural barriers and a lack of inclusion.
Immigrant policies improve prospects for visitors, long-term migrants
Both short-term visitors and long-term migrants could benefit from these changes.
With Finland preparing to implement the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), policies that support immigrant contributions to the workforce may make the country more appealing.
In regions like Northern Finland, where foreign workers help keep rural businesses running, the demand for talent across different skill levels continues to grow.
Finnish immigration reforms influence policy approaches
Finland’s changing immigration policies highlight the need for broader European Union (EU) reforms.
By focusing on integration, reducing discrimination, and encouraging local hiring, Finland shows how to balance economic growth with social cohesion.
Other EU countries could follow this approach to tackle labor shortages and boost innovation.
A path toward inclusive growth
Immigration boosts Finland’s economy, workplaces, and society. Immigrant workers drive innovation in manufacturing and support rural businesses, solving key challenges.
To fully benefit, Finland needs to overcome integration barriers and promote inclusivity. With ongoing efforts, Finland could become a leader in using immigration to support sustainable growth.