Ethical Recruitment for Health Care Professionals in Helsinki

With the demand for healthcare professionals on the rise, the City of Helsinki is committed to ethical recruitment practices. As the competition for skilled professionals escalates globally, Helsinki seeks to attract dedicated individuals who are not only qualified but also eager to build their long-term careers in the Finnish capital.

The City of Helsinki is facing an increasing demand for nurses, particularly in elderly care. However, the competition for skilled healthcare workers is fierce on an international scale, with other countries offering easier language requirements and more favorable climates. So, how is the City of Helsinki tackling this challenge while ensuring ethical recruitment practices?

“The recruitment agencies operating in targeted countries must align with the City of Helsinki’s stringent ethical standards throughout the entire recruitment chain, including any potential subcontractors,” Maritta Haavisto, the Director of Senior Centers in the City of Helsinki emphasizes.

Fortunately, many professionals are willing to come to Finland, which has been consistently ranked as one of the happiest countries in the world. Nevertheless, their education obtained in countries like the Philippines is not fully equivalent to Finnish standards.

Maritta Haavisto, the Director of Senior Centers in the City of Helsinki.

Education and Integration Initiatives

Mia Keinänen, HR planning manager in the Social Services, Health Care and Rescue Services division, explains that the city primarily seeks nurses and practical nurses, aiming to provide them with positions that match their educational qualifications and remuneration expectations as quickly as possible. To facilitate this, the city has implemented programs to further educate recruited professionals.

“For example, Filipino nurses can bridge the gap between their education and the Finnish nurse degree within a year while working as practical nurses. Candidates also initiate their Finnish language studies in their home countries as part of the recruitment process.”

It can take months to enhance language skills and complete any necessary studies to meet the required standards. Once the professionals arrive in Finland, they can continue their education locally.

The City Offers Apprenticeships and Developes Collaboration

While the primary focus is on recruiting experienced healthcare professionals, the City of Helsinki also recognizes the potential in individuals without prior healthcare experience. In such cases, apprenticeships are utilized to train these individuals as care assistants, with the hope that they will pursue further education to become care nurses in the future.

To ensure smooth career paths and education opportunities, the City of Helsinki works closely with polytechnics and trade schools in the area.

“This collaboration aims to establish reasonable and efficient education pathways for all necessary healthcare positions”, says Keinänen.

As a large organization, the City of Helsinki is highly motivated to help foreign workers feel at home. Relocation services are available to assist with finding suitable housing, employment opportunities for spouses, and schools for children. Each new employee is also assigned a personal mentor to facilitate their onboarding.

By prioritizing diversity and sustainability, the City of Helsinki aims to create an environment where healthcare professionals can advance their careers and receive better compensation, thereby enhancing their overall quality of life in Finland. |

Read more at hel.fi/en/healthand-social-services/join-us