A Finnish recruitment chief executive officer who has worked with Filipino health workers for over a decade is urging aspiring workers in Finland to strengthen their communication skills, particularly when addressing workplace concerns.

In an interview, Elisa Vepsalainen, CEO of Finnish recruitment agency Silkkitie, said Filipino workers are valued in Finland for their competence and work attitude, but noted that some struggle to speak up when faced with challenges.

“For Filipino candidates, I actually would have one specific message, because I think many people do have the skills, they have excellent attitude, they are super nice to work with, but sometimes it's a little bit difficult for them to address things that are a bit challenging, and in the Finnish working life, we have really low hierarchy,” Vepsalainen said.

She added that communication is not solely about language proficiency but also about confidence.

“You can trust that you can be yourself, we are also really humble in Finland.”

Silkkitie, founded by a Finnish-Filipino couple, has been recruiting caregivers and registered nurses from the Philippines for more than 13 years.

Language training remains a requirement for healthcare workers bound for Finland, with nurses required to complete at least six months of Finnish language instruction before deployment to meet job requirements and support career advancement.

Although language requirements vary by sector—with some industrial and service jobs allowing workers to start without Finnish skills—Business Development Manager at Business Finland Joonas Halla emphasized that learning the language is essential for Filipinos to integrate into society.

What awaits aspiring Filipino workers in Finland

Halla said there is a salary threshold for bringing a worker’s family to Finland. Vepsalainen added that nurses are typically allowed to bring one or two family members, depending on income, and that their company supports family-based recruitment.

Finland’s social services, including free daycare and meals, also make it possible even for single parents to work full-time.

Halla highlighted a demographic shift, citing estimates that nearly half of Finland’s workforce will retire by 2040. The country is seeking international workers for industrial sectors such as welding and machining, along with selected service roles.

Both officials noted that Filipino workers in Finland are protected under the same labor laws as locals. Workers enter Finland on work permits, are covered by collective bargaining agreements, and receive equal pay for the same work and experience. They are also encouraged to join unions.

“We encourage everyone to belong to a union. Because unions also have the backs of Filipino workers,” Halla said.

For Vepsalainen, successful integration ultimately comes down to confidence and communication. “Tell what is right, what is wrong, so if something happens, you know what to do.”