Learning a new language comes with the challenge of not only conversing in everyday situations but also being able to communicate effectively in a professional environment. Finnish, like many other languages, has its own set of words and phrases that are commonly used in the workplace. Here’s a guide to some key professional and workplace vocabulary in Finnish, complete with definitions and examples to help you navigate through a Finnish-speaking work environment.

Yritys
The Finnish word for a company or business. Whether you are talking about a multinational corporation or a small family-owned business, ‘yritys’ is the term to use.
Minulla on kokouksessa tänään merkittävässä yrityksessämme.

Pomo
This refers to a boss or supervisor in charge of oversight and management of employees.
Joka aamu pomo tarkistaa työntekijöiden raportit.

Työntekijä
A general term for an employee or worker within a company.
Jokainen työntekijä vastaa omasta työpisteestään.

Toimisto
The Finnish word for an office, where professional or clerical work is done.
Meidän toimisto on avoinna arkisin kello yhdeksästä viiteen.

Kokous
A meeting or conference, often necessary for discussions and decision-making in the workplace.
En voi vastata puhelimeen juuri nyt, olen kokouksessa.

Sopimus
Meaning a contract or agreement, often legally binding, between parties such as employers and employees or businesses and clients.
Allekirjoitimme uuden sopimuksen eilen.

Nousemaan
The verb means to promote or advance in position or rank within a professional context.
Hän on nousemassa yhtiössä uuteen johtajuusrooliin.

Työhaastattelu
The Finnish term for a job interview, which is a meeting in which a potential employer tests a prospective employee’s qualifications.
Minun ensimmäinen työhaastatteluni meni hyvin.

Projekti
Referring to a specific plan or designated set of tasks aimed at achieving a particular goal within the workplace.
Aloitamme uuden projektin ensi viikolla.

Verkostoituminen
Networking in the context of establishing and maintaining professional contacts and relationships.
Verkostoituminen on tärkeää uran kehittymiselle.

Palkka
The Finnish word for salary or wages paid for professional services.
Hänen palkkansa maksetaan kuukauden viimeisenä päivänä.

Koulutus
Refers to training or education, especially in relation to improving skills for a job or career.
Koulutus alkaa ensi viikolla toimiston koulutustilassa.

Osakeyhtiö
A type of Finnish limited company or a corporation, often abbreviated as Oy.
Oletko kuullut että tämä osakeyhtiö listautui pörssiin?

Vuosiloma
The Finnish phrase for an annual leave or vacation time given to employees.
Vietän vuosilomani elokuussa.

Raportti
A written or verbal report typically presented to summarize findings or updates for colleagues or superiors.
Jokaisen täytyy valmistella raportti kuukauden myynnistä.

Ansioluettelo
The Finnish term for a curriculum vitae or resume, detailing a person’s education and employment history, used for job applications.
Päivitin ansioluetteloa viime yönä.

Familiarizing yourself with these Finnish terms can empower you to comfortably and professionally interact within Finnish business circles. Whether you’re planning to work in Finland, with Finnish companies, or simply looking to brush up on your business Finnish, learning this vocabulary is an essential step in your language learning journey. Harjoittele sanoja päivittäin (Practice the words daily), and you’ll find yourself navigating the Finnish workplace with ease and confidence.