The Key to Workplace Happiness: Focus on Results, Not Hours, Says Finnish Executive

In Finland, known as the happiest country globally, one company’s secret to worker happiness lies in a single, pivotal benefit: flexibility.

Framery, a manufacturer specializing in soundproof office pods, prioritizes the happiness and engagement of its approximately 400 employees. Each year, the company conducts surveys to discern the primary factors contributing to workplace satisfaction.

According to Anni Hallila, Framery’s Head of People and Culture, maintaining a healthy work-life balance consistently emerges as the top or second most crucial aspect for employees.

To facilitate this balance, company leaders actively endorse flexibility in employees’ work schedules and break times. Hallila emphasizes that it’s entirely ordinary for individuals to integrate their personal and professional lives when structuring their workdays and workweeks.

At Framery, fixed hours are non-existent. While most people typically arrive between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. and leave by late afternoon, the focus remains on achieving results rather than adhering strictly to a schedule.

Although Finland’s standard workweek is 37.5 hours by law, Framery encourages employees to collaborate with their managers to determine how these hours are distributed daily. If an individual’s schedule affects team productivity negatively, Hallila emphasizes the importance of discussing adjustments with their manager.

The company ethos revolves around trusting employees to complete their tasks efficiently, irrespective of traditional office hours. Hallila stresses, “It’s not about the hours—it’s about the results.”

Furthermore, leaders actively promote regular breaks throughout the day to foster well-being. Employees are encouraged to allocate an hour weekly for physical activity, whether it involves a walk or utilizing the onsite gym.

At Framery, breaks are perceived as essential for maintaining focus and managing mental health effectively, rather than signs of slacking off. This approach underscores the company’s commitment to supporting employees’ overall well-being and productivity.