Framery, with approximately 400 employees globally, maintains a solid Finnish culture that prioritizes employee engagement and satisfaction.
As Finland has been recognized as the happiest country in the world for the seventh consecutive year, according to the latest World Happiness Report, it is unsurprising that Framery, a manufacturing company headquartered in Tampere, Finland, known for constructing soundproof booths for office spaces, open communication, teamwork, and employee well-being, are given top priority.
Anni Hallila, the head of people and culture at Framery, focuses on ensuring that employees experience happiness and fulfillment in their roles and shared with CNBC Make It a few common Finnish phrases that cultivate an environment conducive to employees thriving in the workplace:
1. The Person Who Asks Questions Will Stay on The Path
Finnish workplaces promote flat hierarchies, giving individual contributors the same empowerment to voice their opinions on business matters as CEOs and senior leaders.
This phrase demonstrates how a trusting environment, where individuals feel comfortable expressing their opinions, contributes positively to the organization.
Hallila explains that it requires individuals at every level of an organization to raise concerns and devise solutions. She emphasizes that having an open line of communication, allowing anyone from the CEO to any employee to ask questions, paves the way forward.
Employees at Framery are encouraged to voice their opinions on both the tasks they are working on and the company's broader objectives. Hallila can pose any necessary questions to excel in her role or inquire about the company's betterment. Even if it is not within her job description and she sees something that needs to be addressed, she is responsible for asking questions to keep the company on track.
2. A Smart Person Gets Away with Less
Hallila suggests that leaders should support their employees in adopting this mindset by providing clear expectations and managing to enable employees to concentrate on the most crucial business priorities. It is not about laziness, but it is about strategically prioritizing tasks to focus on and getting away with less on your plate to achieve a healthy work-life balance.
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3. Put The Cat on The Table
Similar to addressing the elephant in the room, this phrase implies confronting the pertinent business issue rather than letting it slide. It involves embracing a workplace culture where the cat is the problem that needs to be put on the table and where people can address the core issue through open and trusting discussions.
4. You Will Find In Front of You Whatever You Leave Behind
Alternatively, this phrase suggests that leaving issues unresolved will only resurface later as problems. Hallila emphasizes that addressing issues the moment they arise is the best approach to prevent such challenges from being encountered.
5. Going Toward The Tree with Your Back First
This phrase illustrates the outcome of not planning or considering the consequences of certain business decisions. If one fails to plan their actions, they risk encountering obstacles and potential harm, similar to approaching a tree and getting hurt with their back first.
In Finnish workplaces, these discussions frequently engage individuals at every organization tier. Strategic planning within a business ensures that individuals are heard, have a voice in the strategy, or, at the very least, understand what it is all about. Hallila also acknowledges the importance of thoughtful planning that considers and respects others' time.
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