Kaugtöitä

Kaugtöitä, or remote work, is a working arrangement in which tasks are completed outside the traditional office, typically from home or another remote location, with the aid of information and communications technology. It can be full-time, part-time, or hybrid, blending remote and on-site work.

In Finland, kaugtöitä has grown with digitalization and was significantly accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Many organizations continue to use hybrid models, combining remote work with periodic in-person meetings to maintain collaboration and organizational culture.

Common forms include fully remote positions conducted entirely away from the employer’s premises, regular hybrid schedules, and ad hoc remote work when needed. Successful implementation relies on clear expectations, reliable technology, and properly defined workflows and performance measures.

Benefits often cited are improved flexibility, reduced commuting time, potential productivity gains, and access to a broader talent pool. Challenges include maintaining effective communication, managing work-life boundaries, ensuring ergonomic and cybersecurity standards, and addressing isolation or collaboration friction.

Key tools and practices include secure networks (such as VPNs), cloud-based collaboration platforms, project management software, video conferencing, and clear asynchronous communication norms. Employers typically provide or subsidize equipment, set data-protection guidelines, and establish policies for data, security, and expenses.

Legally and operationally, kaugtöitä touches on occupational safety, privacy, and labor law considerations. Employers must ensure a safe remote work environment and data security, while employees are responsible for appropriate workspace setup and compliance with company policies. The arrangement may affect taxation and payroll for cross-border remote work.