Finnish temp agencies report employment turnaround as “bottom reached”

Finnish staffing and temporary employment agencies say the labor market has hit a turning point after years of decline, with early signs of recovery emerging despite persistent unemployment across all age groups.

A monthly revenue review by Henkilöstöala Helan, covering the 20 largest firms in the sector, showed total industry revenue grew 3% in March 2026 compared to the same month last year—the first increase in nearly four years. “We hope this signals the economy is finally shifting toward growth,” said Merru Tuliara, Helan’s managing director.

Teemu Junkkarinen, development director at staffing firm Barona, confirmed the trend: “The bottom has been reached, and the turn toward improvement is underway.” He noted the shift became visible in early 2026, driven primarily by industrial demand. “Finland is an industry-led economy, and historically, industry has been the first to rebound. This time is no different.”

Regional variations persist, with the strongest hiring activity reported in western Finland and Ostrobothnia. Junkkarinen cited data center projects, green transition infrastructure, and maritime industry needs as key drivers, though retail and sales sectors remain cautious.

Work Power, a Tampere-based agency, reported a nearly 30% year-on-year increase in industrial staffing demand from January to April, alongside an 11% rise in logistics and transport roles. “Growth in maritime and defense industries, along with their subcontracting chains, is fueling this surge,” said CEO Anja Pajala.

While Finland’s Ministry of Economic Affairs forecasts a modest net gain of 2,000 jobs in 2026—with the unemployment rate not expected to fall until 2027—Laboren research director Juho Koistinen said the staffing sector’s real-time data offers early confirmation. “Their frontline insights are reliable. A critical sign is that unemployment growth is now stabilizing.”