Crowned the World’s Happiest Country for the fourth year in 2021 in the annual World Happiness Report by the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, Finland has been facing a workforce shortage lately. As a result, the country is seeking IT professionals from the Indian subcontinent. But the question arises here that why is a country like Finland facing a workforce shortage? Well, we have the answer to that.

Weak population growth in Finland

To answer that why Finland is facing shortage in workforce, the answer will be – weak population growth. According to an estimation by the United Nations, by 2030, the old-age dependency ratio will rise to 47.5 per cent. At the present moment, Finland has over 39.2 over the age of 65 to every 100 working-age people. It is important to note that the number is alarming as it is second only to Japan in the extent of its ageing population.

What is the Finnish government doing about the workforce shortage?

In order to tackle this worrisome situation, the Finnish government has issued a warning to the nation stating that a nation of 5.5 million needs to practically double immigration levels to 20,000-30,000 per year. This will maintain public services and plug a looming pensions deficit.

Moreover, among member countries in the Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD), Finland continues to face the largest skilled worker shortage.

Taking this matter into account, Saku Tihverainen from the agency Talented Solutions told AFP that, “It’s now widely acknowledged that we need a spectacular number of people to come to the country.” The recruiter further explained that workers are required “to help cover the cost of the greying generation”.

Seeking IT professionals from India and other countries

With active support from the Finnish government, Finland’s recruiters are now seeking to attract IT and maritime professionals from India, Russia and other countries of Southeast Asia. Apart from IT professionals, Finland is also seeking health workers from Spain, and metalworkers from Slovakia.

On one hand, we have the Finnish government seeking professionals from other countries. But on the other hand, several immigrants are leaving Finland due to their complex local language, cold climate, an ultra-high standard of living, and challenges in finding jobs for spouses, among others. A similar trends is also visible among the highly skilled working population.

Moreover, several applicants have raised issues that Finnish employers do not seem to recognize international experience, expertise, and qualifications. Nevertheless, studies indicate that the local population are changing their mindsets. Notably, certain Finnish start-ups have started joint career websites to attract international talent to Helsinki.