Serious deficiencies found in Päijät-Häme welfare region’s personnel administration

An internal audit report reveals significant shortcomings in the personnel management of Finland’s Päijät-Häme welfare region, including inadequate financial and legal expertise, poor communication, and flawed dismissal procedures, Yle reports.

The audit found that notifications about pay-related changes reach managers and financial units too late, undermining budgetary control and predictability. Personnel administration staff also lack consistent expertise, with financial and legal competencies described as partly insufficient in some operational areas.

Illegal dismissals and unclear processes
Welfare region director Petri Virolainen acknowledged that unclear information has led to repeated work, while at least one employee was wrongfully terminated due to incorrect grounds. The report also highlighted the absence of clear personnel demand calculations and noted that some operations remain siloed, with unclear division of responsibilities between personnel administration and other departments.

Internal communication was criticised as excessive and fragmented, making it difficult to identify essential information. The audit further revealed deficiencies in documenting and following procurement guidelines, particularly for contracts exceeding €30,000.

Reforms underway
Personnel director Erja Saari stated that development work has already begun, with a focus on improving workforce planning to better anticipate future staffing needs and skills. The region is also drafting a personnel programme aimed at becoming a leading employer in the sector.

Virolainen confirmed that corrective measures have been implemented, including restructuring personnel administration under his direct oversight and ensuring operational units are consulted before policy decisions. A functional feedback system has also been established.