tuntijako

Tuntijako is a Finnish term that refers to the distribution of working hours among employees within an organization. The term combines tunti (hour) and jako (distribution) and is used in human resources and workforce planning to describe how shifts, hours, and overtime are allocated.

In practice, tuntijako covers scheduling for full-time, part-time, and temporary staff, and is especially important in service industries such as retail, hospitality, healthcare, and manufacturing. Schedules are often planned on weekly or monthly horizons and may be fixed, rotating, or flexible. The goal is to match available hours with demand while respecting worker preferences and contractual obligations.

Approaches include fixed schedules (same hours every week), rotating shifts (changing assignments over a period), and flexible or on-call hours. Many organizations use software or HR systems to model tuntijako, forecast demand, and automate shift assignment, subject to rules on rest periods and overtime.

In Finland, tuntijako operates within the framework of working-time legislation and collective agreements. The Working Hours Act (Työaikalaki) sets limits on weekly hours, rest breaks, and night work, while collective agreements may stipulate minimum hours, overtime rates, or shift guarantees for certain employee groups. Employers must provide advance notice and comply with equality and discrimination provisions when distributing hours.

Critically, tuntijako aims for fairness and predictability but can encounter tensions between utilization, overtime costs, and worker wellbeing. Effective tuntijako balances organizational needs with individual preferences and legal rights.

See also: Työaikalaki; työvuoro; schedule planning.