Young Finnish workers hold most positive view of work life, research finds

People under 25 who are active in working life hold significantly more positive attitudes toward work than any other age group in Finland, according to the Työelämäindeksi survey commissioned by Suomalainen työ ry.

The study found that 65 percent of respondents aged under 25 believe the importance of work in their own lives will grow over the next 12 months, a share substantially higher than among older age groups. Younger workers also rated leadership, skill development and the opportunities provided by technology in the workplace positively.

“In public debate, young people are often portrayed as alienated from working life, but the research says otherwise,” said Jokke Eljala, research director at Suomalainen työ ry, in a statement. “Once in a job, young people are committed, eager to learn and ready for responsibility. The issue is about opportunities, not attitudes.”

Some 76 percent of under-25s gave their workplace a good grade for management, compared with 59 percent of those aged over 25. Three-quarters of young respondents reported learning many new skills, work methods or techniques over the past year. A markedly higher proportion — 62 percent of under-25s — expressed interest in management and supervisory roles.

Young employees also viewed new technology more favourably than other age groups and felt it helped them do their work. At the same time, nearly half of under-25s said the skill requirements of new technology could hinder their work without adequate support. “This is an important message for workplaces,” Eljala said. “Young people are ready to use technology, but that requires sufficient induction and support at work.”

The Työelämäindeksi survey was carried out by nSight and collects data twice a year. The sample represents the Finnish working-age population by age, gender and region. A total of 3,238 working Finns aged 16 to 67 responded between August 2025 and February 2026; 486 were under 25.