Vuorottelu

Vuorottelu is a Finnish term describing a form of temporary labor market arrangement in which a current employee takes a defined leave from their job while a substitute worker covers the duties. The employee remains employed and retains the right to return to their position after the agreed period. Vuorottelu is designed to support work–life balance, caregiving responsibilities, or opportunities to gain new skills or try different work, without severing the employment relationship.

The arrangement typically requires a plan agreed between the employee and their employer and must conform to the rules governing vuorotteluvapaa, the legal mechanism behind the leave. Public authorities, such as Kela and relevant unemployment security bodies, oversee eligibility and the terms of compensation or support during the leave. The substitute is engaged for the duration of the vuorotteluvapaa, and the employee’s job status is preserved for their return. The exact duration and financial arrangements are defined in accordance with applicable legislation and agreements.

Common use cases include caring for a child or other family member, pursuing education or training, or experimenting with work in a different field. The goal is to facilitate a gradual or flexible transition in the labor market, enabling individuals to balance personal responsibilities or career development with continued connection to their employer. Vuorottelu thus functions as a structured, planned form of work flexibility within the Finnish employment system.