palkkatyövoiman

Palkkatyövoima refers to the portion of the labor force that engages in paid work in exchange for wages or salaries. In Finnish statistical usage it is often used synonymously with employed persons, i.e., those who are currently employed, as opposed to the unemployed, students, retirees, or those in self-employment. The term emphasizes paid employment rather than other forms of work such as self-employment or unpaid family labor.

The composition of palkkatyövoima includes both full-time and part-time employees, on permanent or temporary contracts, in private and public sectors, and across industries. Depending on data sources, it may include workers on short-term assignments, apprentices, or workers on temporary layoff who still have an employment link. It does not typically include self-employed persons who operate their own business and earn income outside a salary.

The concept is a central indicator of the state of the labor market and economy. Analysts examine trends in palkkatyövoima to measure employment levels, participation rates, and the impact of policies such as wage subsidies, collective bargaining, or automation. The size and structure of palkkatyövoima reflect demographic factors (age, education), sectoral demand, and macroeconomic conditions such as growth and the business cycle.

In Finland, official statistics track palkkatyövoima as part of the employed workforce. Eurostat and the International Labour Organization provide comparable measures across countries under the broader category of employed persons or paid labor force.