Finnish author warns workplace culture demands too much: “Good enough is made to sound bad”

Finnish work culture has become joyless and harsh, with employees facing excessive demands and insufficient recognition, according to author and journalist Marika Riikonen, who has experienced burnout twice. Riikonen’s comments come as a new study by the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health reveals that one in four workers in Finland suffers from concerning levels of burnout symptoms.

Riikonen, who explored the issue in her book Hankalat tytöt (Difficult Girls), told national broadcaster Yle that Finnish workplaces often scrutinise employees’ methods rather than results. “We need to stop monitoring how people work. If the job gets done and the quality is good, what does it matter if someone went skiing during the workday?” she said.

She described her own burnout as a gradual accumulation of small tasks and responsibilities, compounded by a pervasive sense of inadequacy. “Even if you push yourself to the limit, it’s never enough. And if you don’t go beyond your limits, it feels like you’re falling short. ‘Good enough’ is made to sound like failure,” Riikonen said.

Her first burnout occurred four years ago, followed by a second episode two years later. Riikonen recalled a severe episode while driving to tend to her Icelandic horse: “I was on the highway and felt like I was about to lose consciousness. It was terrifying.”

Riikonen calls for radical changes in workplace culture, emphasising four key areas: respect, flexibility, trust, and time for reflection. She argues that employees are often treated as “parts of a machine” rather than professionals, with their expertise undervalued. A 2021 report cited in her book highlighted a disconnect between managers, who believe employees want higher pay and better benefits, and workers, who crave recognition and respect.

The lack of appreciation is also a common reason for changing jobs, Riikonen noted. She criticised rigid return-to-office policies, questioning why employees must endure distracting open-plan offices simply “to show their faces” when remote work often yields better results.

According to the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, time pressure, constant interruptions, and conflicting roles or goals contribute to burnout. Riikonen stressed that recovery requires systemic change, not just temporary rest. “Burnout isn’t like the flu—you don’t bounce back exactly the same. It’s a sign that something needs to fundamentally change,” she said.