A CEO's Experience From The Happiest Country on Earth

The serene landscapes of Finland, often hailed as the happiest country on earth, business leadership takes on a unique form that intertwines with deep cultural values and a commitment to work-life balance. Samu Hällfors, the CEO of Framery, a company specializing in office soundproofing solutions based in Helsinki, offers an insightful glimpse into the distinctive approach to corporate leadership in Finland.

Embracing Finnish Values in Business

At the heart of Hällfors' leadership style is a profound respect for Finnish cultural values, which he diligently integrates into his company's operations. "In Finland, mutual responsibility and community are not just social expectations but are ingrained in our business practices," Hällfors explains. This ethos is reflected in the high rate of wallet returns in social experiments, indicating a societal commitment to honesty and mutual respect

Framery, under Hällfors' leadership, champions a work environment where mistakes are not met with blame but are seen as opportunities for learning and growth. This approach not only enhances team morale but also fosters an environment of trust and open communication. "We ensure that every team member feels part of the strategic discussions, which clarifies their role and aligns them with the company's mission," Hällfors adds

Work-Life Balance: A Finnish Standard

Another cornerstone of Finnish work culture that Hällfors upholds is the balance between professional and personal life. The standard workday in Finland includes an eight-hour shift with a half-hour lunch break, allowing ample time for personal pursuits. Hällfors practices what he preaches by maintaining strict working hours and encouraging his employees to do the same. "While some projects might require extra hours, we always encourage compensating this with time off or long weekends," he states

This balance is crucial not only for employee satisfaction but also for maintaining productivity and fostering creativity within the team. By setting an example, Hällfors leads his team in a way that promotes a healthy work-life balance, which is essential in maintaining the happiness quotient that Finland is famous for.

Independent Hard Work and Autonomy

A unique aspect of the Finnish work ethic that Hällfors emphasizes is the value of independent hard work and self-motivation, rooted in Finland's historical preparation for harsh winters. At Framery, employees are empowered to structure their workdays as they see fit, which Hällfors believes enhances their sense of autonomy and purpose. "Empowering the team to manage their own time not only builds trust but also encourages them to take ownership of their work," he remarks

This level of autonomy is paired with an open communication culture within the company. Unlike in larger corporations where information can be siloed, Framery ensures that all employees are included in strategic discussions, fostering a shared understanding of the company’s goals and enhancing team cohesion.

Leading a company in Finland involves a deep integration of national cultural values into business practices. For Samu Hällfors and Framery, this means fostering an environment of mutual responsibility, work-life balance, and independent hard work. These principles not only contribute to the company's success but also reflect why Finland consistently ranks as one of the happiest countries in the world. As Hällfors aptly puts it, "At Framery, we don't just create products; we cultivate an environment where every employee can thrive both professionally and personally."