Both the employees and the employer benefit from improved language skills because they improve the communication and functionality of the work community. It is easier for foreign employees to participate in the work community and integrate into it when they can express themselves in Finnish or Swedish. A strong sense of community at work and good interaction create a positive atmosphere that can improve employee engagement.
Finnish and Swedish for the workplace
Do you have international employees who need support with their Finnish or Swedish? Offer them a tailored training course in their working language!
As Riku says below, challenges can be overcome and this is especially true for language skills. The Työpaikkasuomi and Työpaikkaruotsi language courses focus on areas such as professional vocabulary, communication situations, customer service situations, the company’s occupational safety instructions, and other workplace communication situations and instructions.
Better language skills improve the performance of the work community.
Credits: Business Finland.
What kinds of companies is the training targeted at?
The language courses are tailored to each company and its employees to match the company’s needs. The courses suit companies of all sizes. The service is also available for the public sector.
The Työpaikkasuomi and Työpaikkaruotsi language courses suit the different stages of a company. They are especially useful in operative changes that require updating the professional skills of the entrepreneur and/or the personnel.
As a rule, the minimum duration of both the Finnish and Swedish language course is 70 lessons. However, the minimum duration may be adjusted according to the company’s needs. The typical frequency is two to four lessons once or twice a week. The employer can choose from more than 30 participating service providers according to their preference.
Financing the training
The training is financed jointly by the employer and the employment and economic development administration – in other words, it is a cost-effective way to support the development of the language skills of your employees. The employer’s share of the financing is determined by the size of the company and its turnover or balance sheet.
For a small employer, the contribution is 30% (up to 49 employees and the annual turnover or the balance sheet total up to EUR 10 million).
For a mid-sized employer, the contribution is 40% (50–249 employees and the annual turnover up to EUR 50 million or the balance sheet total up to EUR 43 million).
For a large employer, the contribution is 50% (at least 205 employees and the annual turnover more than EUR 50 million or the balance sheet total more than EUR 43 million).
An example cost for a group of 8 people with 70 hours of training:
The employer has less than 49 employees and an annual turnover of less than EUR 10 million.
The total cost of the training is EUR 8,400, of which the TE administration will pay 70%. The rest will be paid by the company.
The exact price is calculated by the ELY Center/TE Office based on the employer’s needs.
Let’s get the language skills in order in the workplace!
Get Started
Contact the Work in Finland International Recruitment Advice Service for Employers to learn more about the service and how to get started.