Janitor role evolves as Finland’s workforce declines in property maintenance

Joonas Latokangas holds a rare position as a janitor in a large apartment building in Helsinki, where he has been employed for ten years. His journey began when the previous janitor retired after nearly four decades of service. Latokangas recalled his job interview, where he was offered “a retirement position” if he was interested, and he gladly accepted.

According to Pia Gramén, CEO of Property Employers Association, the number of janitors in Finland has drastically decreased from around 2,000 to an estimated 400 over the past 15 to 20 years. Most of these workers are part-time, with only about 50 holding full-time positions. The job has evolved with increasing technology and automation in property management, necessitating skills that many traditional janitors do not possess.

Latokangas, 37, lives in a company-provided janitor’s apartment located within the building. He has regular access to tools and equipment for maintenance needs. His workdays mostly involve outdoor tasks, but he also makes daily visits to residents’ apartments. He believes residents find it easy to contact him for assistance and often helps elderly neighbors with errands or home maintenance tasks.

Latokangas sees his role as more than just property maintenance. He fosters relationships with residents, who recognize him as a familiar face in their community. He likens caring for the property to managing a private garden, emphasizing the importance of attitude.

In the Asunto Oy Aitio housing company in North Haaga, residents strongly support having a dedicated janitor. Timo Salo, chairman of the board at the company since 2008, believes that a full-time janitor promotes systematic property management and enhances commitment to the job, making it potentially more cost-effective than outsourcing. The majority of full-time janitors are concentrated in larger cities in Finland, where there are more substantial housing complexes.