What types of employment agreements can be accommodated in Finland (i.e., fixed-term, part-time, hourly, etc.), and what are the restrictions for each type? Does Pebl have templates available?

In Finland, the following types of employment agreements are available, each with specific regulations and requirements:

• Indefinite Employment Agreements: These are standard and do not require special conditions to be offered.

• Part-Time Employment Agreements: Employment benefits for part-time employees must be at least equivalent, on a proportional basis, to those of full-time employees. If a part-time employee wishes to switch to full-time, they have the right of first refusal for any extra work, provided it is suitable for their skills and vacancies exist. Finnish law mandates that opportunities for additional work be offered to part-time employees before considering candidates on a rehire waiting list. Additionally, employers are obligated to publicly share information on job vacancies to ensure part-time and fixed-term employees have equal opportunities similar to their full-time counterparts.

• Hourly Employment Agreements: A common form is the zero-hours contract, wherein the employee's weekly working time may vary. Employers must pay for at least the minimum guaranteed working hours stated in the employment agreement. If an employee does not work any hours in a week, they are not entitled to a wage for that week unless otherwise agreed.

• Fixed-Term Employment Agreements: These are permissible only with a justified reason for the temporary nature of the job, such as seasonal work, a temporary surge in demand, or acting as a substitute for an absent employee. Without a valid reason, such agreements could be deemed indefinite. However, an agreement can be made without justification if it is initiated by the employee or if the employee has been unemployed for at least 1 year and has exceeded the highest retirement age.

Templates for these employment agreements are available to ensure compliance with Finnish regulations.

Is it necessary for the employment agreement to be bilingual with Finnish taking precedence in Finland?

In Finland, the employment agreement is written in English.

Can variable compensation be included in the employment agreement in Finland, or should it be outlined in a separate Variable Compensation Plan?

In Finland, a variable compensation plan can be included as an addendum to the employment agreement. However, the actual details of the Variable Compensation Plan (VCP) should not be incorporated within the employment agreement itself. The employment agreement can reference the Variable Compensation Plan, but it is essential to utilize a separate VCP for outlining the specific details.