Finnish defence forces personnel report exhaustion from heavy workloads

A growing number of professional soldiers in Finland are experiencing burnout due to excessive workloads, an investigation by public broadcaster Yle reveals. The situation has been exacerbated by Russia’s war in Ukraine and Finland’s NATO membership, though defence officials maintain the problem is not widespread.

Jani Pekkinen, a career officer with over 30 years of service, recently took extended sick leave after years of pushing through overwhelming work demands. “I felt like I had failed, like I had let someone down,” he said, reflecting on his decision to step back. Now, a year later, he acknowledges it was the only option.

Pekkinen, currently a captain lieutenant, spoke publicly to encourage others in similar situations to recognise their limits. He described how workloads surged after Finland’s 2012–2015 defence reform, which cut 2,300 positions while tasks remained unchanged. “People were assigned overlapping roles without clarity on what could be left undone,” said Marko Jalkanen, chair of the Officers’ Union.

Pekkinen’s own duties expanded dramatically during the reform. As a military police officer in the coastal brigade, he absorbed additional responsibilities—including IT security and licensing—while covering for absent colleagues. Work spilled into evenings and nights, even during field exercises. “A soldier’s mindset doesn’t allow compromising on deadlines or personnel matters,” he explained.

The strain manifested as chronic fatigue, illness, and insomnia. When Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, new demands—such as coordinating defence aid—piled onto an already overburdened staff. NATO accession further intensified training, reserve drills, and international cooperation.

Yle’s investigation included interviews with nine defence officials, union representatives, and reviews of occupational safety reports and personnel records from 2010–2025. While the Defence Forces downplay systemic issues, union leaders warn that high morale often delays soldiers from seeking help until health crises arise.