As Finland celebrates its Independence Day, it’s a fitting moment to reflect on what Finnishness means to people from various backgrounds. Our company, with its rich tapestry of 54 nationalities, conducted a survey to understand how different cultures perceive Finland and its people. The responses reveal a fascinating blend of admiration, curiosity, and unique insights into Finnish culture.
The Essence of Finnishness
For many respondents, Finnishness is deeply intertwined with concepts like sisu, sauna, and a profound connection to nature. Finnish participants often highlighted these elements, describing Finnishness as a blend of strength, independence, and a love for simplicity and community spirit. One respondent poetically noted, “Finnishness means being strong and independent, with a deep love for nature. It’s about valuing simplicity and having a strong community spirit.”
Interestingly, non-native respondents echoed these sentiments but added their own cultural lenses. One participant associated Finnishness with iconic brands like Marimekko and Fazer, and the beloved Moomins, while also humorously noting the Finnish penchant for personal space. “Sometimes I feel it’s a crime to sit next to a stranger on the bus,” they joked.
Sisu is also present in one of our Career stories, featuring Priscila Da Silva.
Perceptions of Finnish People
The survey revealed a common thread of respect and admiration for Finnish people across backgrounds. Finns were frequently described as honest, trustworthy, and resilient. A respondent mentioned, “We are really humble about everything and don’t want to cause too much trouble.” This humility and straightforwardness were seen as defining traits.
However, perceptions of Finnish introversion varied. While some acknowledged a tendency towards reserved behavior, they emphasized that Finns are warm and open once you get to know them. This was mirrored by another participant who noted, “Outside of stereotypes, we have collected the most communicable Finns here (at FinVector).”
One non-Finnish respondent offered a nuanced perspective, expressing that while they do not consider Finns to be introverted, Finns tend to speak less and only when necessary unless they are in a more relaxed and social setting. This observation highlights the cultural differences in social interactions and the importance of context in understanding Finnish behavior.
Our Manufacturing Director, Elisa, enjoys her free
time in the middle of the Finnish nature.
Living in Finland
When it comes to living in Finland, the responses were overwhelmingly positive. Finnish respondents praised their country for its safety, cleanliness, and peacefulness. They appreciated the balance between work and leisure and the beauty of the four distinct seasons. “Finland is peaceful and beautiful. We have wonderful four seasons,” noted one participant.
Non-native respondents shared similar sentiments but added their own perspectives. One admired the work-life balance and the natural beauty, describing Finland as “a place where I can grow, bloom, shed, and yet stand firm with hope just like the trees going through all the colors through all the seasons.”
Another highlighted the strong commitment to equality and the exceptional social welfare system, noting, “Finland is a place where usually less is more and is just perfect.”
Conclusion
The responses reveal both congruences and differences in how Finnishness is perceived. Across backgrounds, there is a shared admiration for Finnish honesty, resilience, and connection to nature. However, cultural nuances shape these perceptions, adding layers of complexity and richness.
While Finns see themselves as humble and reserved, non-Finns often view this as a form of quiet strength and authenticity. The importance of personal space is universally acknowledged, but its interpretation varies, with some seeing it as introversion and others as a cultural norm.
In conclusion, these insights offer a multifaceted view of Finnishness, enriched by the diverse perspectives of our multinational community. As we celebrate Finland’s Independence Day, let’s embrace these insights and continue to foster a deeper understanding of what makes Finland and its people unique.