Vantaa clarified its remote work policy, and now Helsinki is considering further clarifications

The Chief Executive Officer reminds that a significant portion of the city’s employees perform tasks where remote work is not possible.

The city of Helsinki is not tightening its remote working policy, at least not in the near future, although practices in the neighboring city of Vantaa have changed this year.

According to Chief of Staff Jukka-Pekka Ujula, Helsinki is considering whether remote working practices should be changed or clarified.

“When we check in the neighboring city, we also get to know their analysis on the matter.”

Ujula points out that strict guidelines are less applicable to Helsinki, which is a larger city than Vantaa.

“Guidelines applied from a single mold are not as effective as those for smaller employers.”

In addition, a significant portion of the City of Helsinki’s nearly 40,000 employees work in positions where remote work is not possible at all.

“Limited to a few thousand people who are affected by remote work. In these respects, remote work practices are being reviewed and considered as necessary, but it is not the kind of thing that quick solutions are being made.”

Currently, the City of Helsinki allows teleworking for about half of the working time.

According to Vantaa’s new guidelines, at least half of the work must be done at the workplace. You must also be at the workplace at least one day a week.

The new instructions at Vantaa have not pleased all employees. Ujula says he understands the reaction and people’s different life situations.

What does he personally think about remote work policies?

“I understand that presence is important for work productivity, dynamics and development. Remote work has its own advantages, so I wouldn’t start evaluating things before I’ve gone through what the best practices are.”

The issue has sparked some discussion on social media. For example, the city councilor of the National Coalition Party, Otto Meri, demanded that Helsinki should follow Vantaa in changing its remote working practices.

Ujula believes that the matter will arouse different opinions among politicians. However, no decisions have been made so far.

According to Ujula, any policy should be based on studies.

“Possible revisions must be based on strong preparation, which has not yet been done. The information gathering phase is currently underway.”