Finland reports high levels of work-related stress and mental strain

Recent studies indicate that while a majority of Finnish workers find their jobs meaningful, a significant portion faces substantial occupational strain. According to the Work Life Study 2026, 68% of Finns find their work meaningful and 67% feel they are coping well. However, 26% of respondents report that work causes excessive load, with time pressure and heavy workloads cited as primary stressors.

Data from the EU-OSHA OSH Pulse 2025 survey highlights that Finnish workers experience higher levels of work-related mental strain than almost any other EU nation. Approximately 45% of Finnish employees reported experiencing stress, depression, or anxiety caused or worsened by work in the last year, compared to an EU average of 29%. Only Greece reported higher levels at 49%.

Key stressors in Finland include high time pressure and excessive workloads, reported by 51% of workers, which exceeds the EU average of 44%. Additionally, 42% of Finnish respondents noted poor communication or cooperation at work, significantly higher than the EU average of 29%. Despite these challenges, 78% of Finnish workers noted that psychological support or counseling is available at their workplace, compared to just 40% across the EU.