Työllisyyden

Työllisyys, in Finnish commonly discussed as työllisyyden in its genitive form, refers to the state of having paid work and, more broadly, the strength of the labor market. It encompasses the level of job creation, the availability of work, and the capacity of the economy to absorb labor. In everyday and policy contexts, työllisyyden is linked to measures such as the employment rate and the overall utilization of the working-age population, while työttömyys (unemployment) is its complement.

In Finland, työllisyys is a central objective of economic policy. Official statistics produced by Tilastokeskus (Statistics Finland) monitor työllisyys through the employment rate—the share of the working-age population that is employed—and the unemployment rate—the share of the labor force that is unemployed. The labor force participation rate and long-term unemployment are also important indicators used to assess the health of the labor market and the effectiveness of policies.

Several factors influence työllisyyden, including the business cycle, productivity, and technological change. Demographic trends, such as aging and migration, affect the supply of labor, while education and skill levels influence match with job opportunities. Regional differences and gender and age dynamics can create uneven patterns in employment across sectors and locations.

Policy approaches to strengthen työllisyyden include education and training programs, apprenticeships, and active labor market policies such as job-search support and wage subsidies. Public employment services, together with incentives for employers and sustainable welfare arrangements, aim to improve employability and reduce long-term inactivity, contributing to a more resilient labor market.