Pitkittytyö

Pitkittyö is a Finnish term used to describe the prolongation of work duration beyond the originally planned length. The word is formed from pitkä (long) and työ (work). In practical use, pitkittyö can refer to two related phenomena: delays or extensions in projects that push completion past the planned date, and extended usage of temporary or fixed-term employment arrangements that last longer than usual.

In project management, pitkittyö denotes schedule overruns where activities require more time than forecast, often necessitating rescheduling, additional resources, or renegotiated milestones. In the labor market, pitkittyö is used to discuss situations where workers remain on temporary contracts or on short-term assignments for extended periods, which can affect job security, progression opportunities, and wage development. The phenomenon is often linked to seasonality, demand volatility, subcontracting practices, and organizational flexibility.

From a policy and organizational perspective, pitkittyö raises questions about planning quality, workforce management, and worker well-being. Critics argue that persistent pitkittyö can erode job stability and reduce morale, while proponents may see it as a pragmatic adaptation to uncertain demand and project scope. There is no universal legal definition for pitkittyö; it remains a descriptive term used across sectors rather than a formal category in Finnish labor law.

Overall, pitkittyö captures a broad sense of extended or protracted work periods and is most commonly encountered in discussions about project scheduling and employment practices in Finland.