Sivutoimet

Sivutoimet is a Finnish term referring to secondary duties or side jobs that a person holds in addition to their primary employment. The concept is used especially in Finnish work life and public administration to describe outside activities that may supplement income, broaden experience, or contribute expertise.

Sivutoimet can be paid or unpaid and may include a wide range of activities, such as board memberships, consultancy work, teaching, research, or writing. They are often discussed in relation to conflicts of interest, time management, and the ability to perform the main job adequately. The accepted practice is that sivutoimet should not compromise the primary duties or erode public trust.

Regulation and oversight of sivutoimet vary by sector and organization. Employers, bodies governing public service, and ethics guidelines typically require disclosure of outside work and may impose limitations or prohibitions on certain activities. In the public sector, officials and elected representatives are commonly expected to report sivutoimet, assess potential conflicts of interest, and ensure that outside activities do not impair impartiality, decision-making, or availability for their primary responsibilities.

Sivutoimet can provide additional income and broaden professional competencies, but they also carry potential downsides if not properly managed. Clear policies, transparency, and alignment with organizational values help maintain integrity and performance while allowing individuals to engage in meaningful outside work.