South Karelia region aims to attract more remote workers to boost local economy

The Regional Council of South Karelia wants to become Finland’s first model region for “multi-local living,” a concept where people divide their time between multiple locations for work, leisure, or family care, Yle reports.

Laura Jänis, a Helsinki-based specialist at the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, spends one week a month working remotely from her holiday home in Ryhälä, Puumala, on the shores of Lake Saimaa. Originally from the area, she values the connection to her roots and the opportunity to spend time near her aging parents.

“We want seasonal residents to stay longer and perhaps even relocate permanently,” said Heini Utunen, regional mayor of South Karelia. The council plans to study how multi-local living could reduce costs for the wellbeing services county while boosting the local economy.

With over 45,000 holiday homes—most concentrated in Mikkeli, Mäntyharju, and Savonlinna—South Karelia hosts up to 175,000 seasonal residents in summer. Utunen envisions creating co-working hubs, like one already operating in Puumala’s municipal building, to better serve remote workers.

The region seeks €300,000–400,000 in funding, possibly from the state budget framework, to launch the study. Minister of Economic Affairs Sakari Puisto (Finns Party) has expressed support, calling the pilot a way to “leverage the region’s appeal and turn holiday homes into an asset for local communities.”

For Jänis, full-time relocation would require even more flexible work arrangements and reliable internet. “The best part of multi-local living is getting the best of both places,” she said.