Osaaikatyön

Osaaikatyön, commonly written osa-aikatyö in Finnish, refers to an employment relationship in which the worker's weekly hours are fewer than the standard full-time hours. The exact threshold is defined by the employer's policies or by collective agreements and may vary by sector. Part-time contracts can specify a fixed schedule or operate on a variable hours model determined by demand.

In terms of compensation and benefits, part-time work is typically paid pro rata to hours worked. Holiday entitlement, social security benefits, and other rights are generally allocated in proportion to completed hours, subject to the terms of the Employment Contracts Act and any applicable collective agreements in Finland. If a part-time employee works more hours than in their contract, overtime rules may apply, and employers must comply with relevant regulations. Equality provisions generally require that part-time workers are not treated less favorably than full-time workers for the same work, after adjusting for hours.

Part-time work serves various needs: it is common among students, parents, and others seeking flexible schedules; it is widely used in sectors such as retail, healthcare, hospitality, and administrative services. It can offer greater balance and cost control for employers, but may also bring income variability and fewer opportunities for training or career progression, depending on hours and access to positions.

The concept is widely used in Finland and is regulated by the Employment Contracts Act, the Working Hours Act, and sector-specific collective agreements, which set rules on scheduling, minimum hours, and opportunities to increase hours or convert to full-time where possible.