This autumn, we are focusing on mental wellbeing in work life, aiming to spark discussions about finding solutions for a healthy, sustainable work life. Recent studies (Kela) and media reports (Yle) have highlighted the concerns of young people and students regarding mental wellbeing and the demands of work life. Therefore, we joined forces with our Future Talent Partner student network to give the stage to their thoughts and support the development of a positive work life for junior professionals.
We conducted a survey between 14-20 October 2024 via a questionnaire sent to the members of our Future Talent Partner student organisations Atkins, Luuppi, and TietoTeekkarikilta. The survey was anonymous with multiple choice questions as well as open questions. Additionally, one person from each student organisation volunteered to comment on the topic under their own name. Here are the background details of our respondents:
- 11% identified as non-binary, 33% as women, and 52% as men, while the rest preferred not to reveal their gender.
- 27% were in their first or second year of studies, 33% had been studying for at least four years, and 40% between two to four years.
- 44% already had work life experience in their field of studies.
Survey highlight: 42% of respondents were very or quite concerned about the demands and expectations of work life, with 53% a little concerned.
Let’s dive into the minds of students and hear what they think about modern work life.
Finding no. 1: Flexibility is key
The biggest finding was that the meaning of flexibility in work life cannot be overemphasised. Flexibility may come in the form of working hours, location of work or, for example, support in surprising life situations. Students acknowledged inspiring examples in the technology and IT industries that offer appealing practices but also noted that there are plenty of more traditional companies with strict working hours and locations.
Flexibility was the most frequently mentioned attribute when describing an ideal workplace (see the word cloud compiled from the survey responses below). In addition to flexibility, maintaining a work-life balance was mentioned as crucial for students entering the workforce. One of the main concerns was the lack of clear boundaries between work and personal life.
Students also highlighted the importance of taking personal responsibility for their own wellbeing. This may include setting boundaries for their work and choosing workplaces that promote mind-friendly practices.
It’s vital for both employers and employees to manage the expectations of work life in a balanced way. While companies should strive to create supportive environments, employees must also take personal responsibility for their wellbeing, fostering a partnership that benefits both parties.
Sami Harmaala, TietoTeekkarikilta
As we have also seen at Gofore, it is important to allow individuals to design their workday and environment according to their needs. This approach is vital not only for autonomy and workflow but also for managing life’s unexpected events. For example, it helps in dealing with sudden family situations or accommodating neurodivergent needs, ensuring that employees can complete their work while still having energy left for their personal lives.
Finding no. 2: There are simple ways to ease concerns
As the students stated, there are excellent examples of work communities that care for their employees. While students generally believed that the IT industry prioritises employee wellbeing more than many other fields, the job market in IT appeared challenging for many of them. High expectations for skills and experience, which students and recent graduates often lack, create an environment where they feel a constant need to do more to stay competitive. The rapid pace of technological advancements in the software industry can be overwhelming, as individuals worry about keeping their skills up to date. Moreover, the competitive landscape for securing internships and entry-level roles adds to their concerns.
Survey highlight: Concerns about work life demands may decrease as students progress in their studies and gain work experience. For instance, 58% of students in their early years of study were concerned, compared to 40% of those close to graduation.
What stands out are the concrete suggestions students provided to employers on how to ease their concerns about work life:
- Let us try: Provide opportunities to experience work life during our studies.
- Be real: Share realistic employee stories.
- Actions behind words: Demonstrate the support and actions you offer for balancing work and free time.
Students expect a decent salary, a good balance between work and personal time, and a positive work atmosphere. After years of education, it’s only fair to hope for a good paycheck and a job that won’t take over our leisure time. Everyone has their own idea of a positive work environment, so it’s important for organisations to gather and listen to feedback.
Otso Rouhiainen, Luuppi
Finding no. 3: The same applies to society
Students also had thoughts on the societal structures and attitudes we have created towards sustainable work life. They believed that offering flexibility and work-life balance should be the starting point for everything.
Could this mean that more companies offer paid absences for caring for sick parents or increased flexibility for taking care of one’s own or partner’s children during parental leave (Gofore)? Or could it mean shorter work weeks (Yle) or normalising the possibility of combining different types of employment? Or could it require new laws and regulations that promote a more equal division of family care responsibilities between genders, or balance some of the heavily gendered professions and industries?
Students hoped for societal discourse on wellbeing that goes beyond merely addressing symptoms and tackles the root causes. They stressed the importance of fostering a culture where human-centered practices are valued, nurtured, and seen as the foundation for positive outcomes, including economic results.
Human-centered practices in the workplace can promote both individual wellbeing and sustainable work life. It has been a pleasure to see that this topic has sparked discussions, enabling changes in future work environments.
Essi Krakau, Atkins
Towards a sustainable work life
We want to encourage other companies to ideate and share their findings on effective ways to care for the mind – for the benefit of individuals, employers, and society. You can find our first steps here. By talking openly about new innovations for work life and the expectations for both employees and employers, we aim to serve the needs of those already in the workforce and those about to enter it.
We need all parties to make the change happen, so we should not forget to include students when designing the next version of a sustainable work life, as they represent the future. There are already good suggestions above for how to start.
