Finnish Institute of Occupational Health media release 5 June 2025
There are several simultaneous transformations under way in work life. Artificial intelligence is developing rapidly, ways of working are becoming more diverse, change in the demographic structure poses challenges to the sustainability of the welfare state, and the green transition requires new kinds of measures. Developing work life sustainably in the midst of changes requires a shared direction and active anticipation.
The Direction of Work Life series of reports by the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health examines future work life through various alternative scenarios. Work life can develop towards well-being, inclusion and sustainable productivity — or end up in a situation where work becomes fragmented, inequality increases and the meaningfulness of work is lost.
"The direction of development is not predetermined, but depends on the choices and decisions we make now. In the reports, we present measures that we can take at workplaces and when making societal decisions in order to make Finnish work life the best in the world," says Antti Koivula, Director General of the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health.
Artificial intelligence changes work — humans choose the direction
Artificial intelligence is shaping work life on many levels. It is increasingly widely used to take care of routine tasks, freeing up time for creativity and providing opportunities to rethink work. When used correctly, technology can improve the quality of work, increase meaningfulness and boost productivity.
However, the benefits of the development do not materialise by themselves. The extent of the productivity leap depends on why and how the technology is adopted and what kind of leadership is built alongside it.
"Technology can benefit both productivity and well-being if its deployment is developed inclusively and by listening to employees. On the other hand, focussing solely on cost efficiency and automation runs a risk of increasing the stressfulness and inequality of work life," says Tuomo Alasoini, Research Professor at the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health.
According to the report, technological development does not remove the role of people in work life — on the contrary. Many tasks involve tacit knowledge, contextual understanding and social interaction that artificial intelligence cannot replace. Performing these tasks requires human skills: creativity, social intelligence and situational awareness.
"Artificial intelligence is a tool, not a human-like actor. Creative and social intelligence is a person’s best security and resource in an increasingly technological work life," Alasoini emphasises.
To whom will work life belong in 2035?
Demographic change is another major challenge facing work life. The share of working-age people in the population is lower than before, which threatens the funding of the welfare state. The sustainability of the welfare state is connected to the extent to which everyone’s work input and competence can be put to use. That is why openness and equality should be strengthened in work life.
"Work life must be accessible and fair for all: young people, the older individuals, working pensioners, people with partial work ability and people with an immigrant background,” emphasises Taina Leinonen, Chief Researcher at the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health.
Good work life is not only attractive, but also promotes commitment. If expectations do not meet the reality of work life, there is a risk that experts will move elsewhere. According to the report, factors that strengthen commitment in people starting their careers include good orientation, supporting mental health and fair remuneration. Immigrants can be supported by investing in language-aware and non-discriminatory practices and supporting families’ integration.
The opportunity to be seen and feel part of a work community is crucial for both an individual’s well-being and the availability of workforce. If these needs are not met, work life may become divided into two realities: those who have opportunities and those who lack them. Preventing polarisation requires determined measures and the removal of structural barriers.
"Technology can also be used to promote inclusion. Remote work, digital tools and language technologies can lower the threshold for participation and help groups such as people with partial work ability, the older individuals and immigrants find their place in work life," says Leinonen.
Read the reports and find out the direction of work life
- The first parts of the Direction of Work Life report series deal with technological change, demographic change, socio-cultural change and climate change and the green transition.
- All the Direction of Work Life reports are available on the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health website.
- The first part of the Direction of Work Life webinar series will be held on 5 June 2025 and focus on demographic change and technological change. The second part, on 10 September 2025, will focus on socio-cultural change and climate change and the green transition.
- First webinar (5 June) can be viewed on Yle Areena.
Further information
- Technological change: Tuomo Alasoini, tuomo.alasoini [at] ttl.fi, +358 50 564 6140
- Demographic change: Taina Leinonen, taina.leinonen [at] ttl.fi, +358 50 327 1723
- Sociocultural change: Anu Järvensivu. anu.jarvensivu [at] ttl.fi, +358 50 443 1706
- Climate change and the green transition: Arja Ala-Laurinaho, arja.ala-laurinaho [at] ttl.fi, +358 40 562 0906
- Antti Koivula, Director General, antti.koivula [at] ttl.fi, +358 30 474 2340
