sijaisuudet

Sijaisuudet refer to temporary substitutions. They are arrangements where a person takes over someone else’s duties for a defined period, usually because the regular occupant is absent, on leave, or a position is temporarily vacant. The concept is used across sectors such as workplaces and schools to maintain continuity while the regular staff is unavailable.

In the workplace, sijaisuus may occur when an employee is ill, on parental or military leave, or when a position is temporarily unfilled. The substitute can be hired directly by the employer or through a temporary staffing agency. The contract generally ends when the regular employee returns or when the temporary vacancy is no longer needed.

In education, schools employ sijaisuudet for substitute teachers or other staff who cover for absent colleagues. These assignments may be governed by school district policies or collective agreements, and can range from a single day to several weeks or months. The aim is to ensure ongoing instruction and administrative function.

Legally and practically, sijaisuudet offer organizational flexibility but can affect the substitute’s job security and benefits, depending on local law and contract terms. The noun comes from sijainen, meaning substitute; the plural form is sijaisuudet. The concept is distinct from permanent hires and from long-term vacancies.